Chanel has created skis for the fashionable skier. Chanel says the skis are from its Fall-Winter 2010/11 collection. They are Swiss hand-crafted skis, in compressed cherrywood with azure staining. Chanel has other winter sports items here include ski goggles and snowboards.
Chanel has been getting sporty lately. Chanel also designed basketballs, soccer balls and tennis rackets.
Clothing Sales Fell in February. Blame It On The Snow
The harsh February winter in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic is being blamed for weaker than expected apparel sales. Clothing sales fell 1.8% in February, 2010 when compared to February, 2009. This means clothing sales were worse last month than they were during the recession. It is also a drop of 13.8% from February, 2008. That's not a good report but analysts appear happy to chalk it up to the constant snowstorms that prevented people from shopping.
Apparel sales were at stronger prices than a year ago, according to MasterCard, indicating retailers didn't have to resort to sharp discounts. More full-priced and less trade-down purchases could help profits, offsetting the weather's impact.
Department stores reported sales were unchanged from a year-earlier, the first time that segment hasn't posted a year-over-year decline since November 2006.
"A year ago, spending was really in critical condition," said Michael McNamara, vice president for research and analysis at MasterCard Advisors, which tracks sales by all payment forms. "Now, it's in serious but stable condition."
The wintry weather did boost online sales. The WSJ says MasterCard Advisors reports that online sales climbed 16.7% in February from last year.
Schools were closed in New York City today after the region was pounded with snow and strong winds. Some areas of New York already have over 20 inches of snow and it is still snowing. Northeast residents are likely tiring of the endless stream of powerful winter storms. Retailers are also hoping for spring. The snow days keep many customers from shopping. Many retailers also only had small inventories of winter apparel, which they sold out of weeks ago. Take a look:
Bo, the First Dog, played in the snow on the south grounds of the White House during last week's blizzard. Bo looks like he really enjoyed the snow but most Washington D.C. residents are hoping they are done with the series of monster snowstorms dubbed Snomaggedon and Snoverkill.
Retailers Selling Flip-Flops and Swimwear While Blizzards Rage
Punxsutawney Phil was right when he saw his shadow. There is now snow in nearly all 50 U.S. states. The Wall Street Journalreports that the blizzards, cold weather and record snowfall is not stopping retailers from pushing sandles, tank tops and swimsuits. This is because - thanks to low inventory practices - many retailers sold out of their winter apparel weeks ago.
The Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. this week featured brightly colored polo shirts in its store windows, including a Manhattan location that closed its doors early Wednesday because of blizzard-like conditions. "We use our windows to highlight our latest fashions," explained a spokeswoman. Kohl's Corp.'s advertising for snow-blanketed Silver Spring, Md., touts a President's Day weekend sale on flip-flops and children's swimsuits. Gap Inc.'s Old Navy stores are selling $2 lace-trimmed camisoles that a spokeswoman said are selling well.
"The chances of shoppers buying a tank top or some shorts when it's 20 degrees and a foot of snow is much less likely" than in warmer weather, said Paul Lejuez, a senior retail analyst with brokers Credit Suisse.
Plans to keep inventory low because of the recession have backfired for some retailers. These retailers likely would have sold tons of coats and cold weather accessories if they had stocked up on them. It is hard to blame them too much as the last several winters have been much milder.
Jim Grey in Chardon, Ohio has made a giant igloo in his parent's front yard. It has several rooms and includes a stereo system and a cable tv. The best part of the report is A.J Fay who is described in the report as an "Igloo Fan." Take a look:
Dallas, Texas had a record 12.5 inch snowfall yesterday. The snow was beautiful, and the kids loved it, but it created a lot of headaches. The snow was so heavy that it knocked down a lot of branches which pulled down power lines. Over 200,000 homes are still without power in Dallas and it may be Monday before Oncor gets everyone's power back. The heavy snow also collapsed roofs at businesses and carparks. Take a look:
Snow will cause problems for florists trying to deliver Valentine's Day flowers tomorrow in many parts of the country. Snow is also delaying deliveries, especially in Washington D.C. and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic. One florist says flowers could end up getting stuck on runways. Dallas, Texas was added to long list of cities with snow cover yesterday after receiving a record 12.5 inches of snow. Take a look:
Video: Shaun White Talks Pressure, How He Invents New Tricks
Champion snowboarder Shaun White talks with Matt Lauer about the upcoming Olympic games. Shaun discusses how he overcomes nerves when the pressure is on, and describes how he creates new tricks by using visualization. Take a look"
Washington D.C. has broken its all-time snowfall record for a season. The city is digging out from its second monster snowstorm in less than a week. Blizzard-like conditions hit Washington, D.C. today and the White House was barely visible during parts of the day. Large trees fell in D.C. and at least one walkway collapsed. Take a look:
This video will give you a good idea of what conditions are like in Washington D.C. today. Washington D.C. and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic are currently experiencing a blizzard. Listen to the wind in the video. With that wind it is no wonder they are expecting drifts up to four feet. Take a look:
Another monster snowstorm is headed to storm weary Washington D.C. and the Mid-Atlantic region. New York City is also expected to be hit by this system, which will also bring strong gusty winds and colder temperatures. D.C. is still paralyzed from the last snowstorm and 25% of the city's plow are not working. The video shows shoppers hitting stores ahead of the storm but the snowy weather has not been good for many retailers. D.C. stores are sold out of some items. Take a look:
CNN reports that hundreds of people participated in a huge snowball fight in Washington D.C. It looks like a lot of fun. They have plenty of snow to work with. 20 to 30 inches of snow fell in the region during what is being called Snowmageddon. Take a look:
Snowmageddon: Monster Snowstorm Whallops the Mid-Atlantic
President Obama has dubbed the monster snowstorm that hit the Mid-Atlantic as Snowmageddon. The mayor of Washington DC wants residents to stay home so the city can clear the streets. The mayors says the goal is to get the city back up and running in time for business on Monday. However, that may not be easy as 20 to 30 inches of snow has fallen in many areas. Take a look:
Some buildings, including a small church, have collapsed because of the weight of all the snow.
The harsh February winter in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic is being blamed for weaker than expected apparel sales. Clothing sales fell 1.8% in February, 2010 when compared to February, 2009. This means clothing sales were worse last month than they were during the recession. It is also a drop of 13.8% from February, 2008. That's not a good report but analysts appear happy to chalk it up to the constant snowstorms that prevented people from shopping.
