Kohl's launching another celebrity

During a previous class, we discussed extensively Vera Wang launching a mid-priced brand for Kohl's. I's sure you all remember it is called Simply Vera. We talked about how successful it would be and if it was a good idea. We also talked about how she would be able to move from couture to mass market. But it has been hard to keep up with the news because no one ever really talked about it. The line is still alive and kicking, although I'm not sure how hard. Now Kohl's is launching a new line from "The Hill's" star Lauren Conrad. The line, called LC Lauren Conrad, will launch in 300 stores in October of this year. For now it will be just apparel, but in the future could expand into footwear, jewelry, handbags and intimates. Kohl's will lead the manufacturing, production, distributing and marketing of the brand, while LC's image and likeness will be used in national advertising, in-store graphics, online/digital media and public relations.

The pic above is from the Lauren Conrad Holiday 2008 Collection. I really like her designs. They are colorful and fun and I love her use of different necklines. The yellow dress is my favorite! I hope her line for Kohl's incorporates these aspects! I wish her success and hopefully more people will talk of this line.

The Business Journal of Milwaukee (April 22, 2009). Kohl's to Launch Lauren Conrad Brand. Retrieved May 4, 2009 from http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/04/20/daily37.html

Estee Lauder Losing Profit

Estee Lauder stated on Monday that its third-quarter profit fell 70%! That is a big loss. The reason for the decline is due to restructuring of the company and weakness in the company's travel retail business. The company is in the middle of a four year restructuring, led by Chief Executive Fabrizio Freda. The changes will boost sales over time, but we are in the middle of a slow economy. Consumers have been saving money and that means less travel. Because of little traffic through the airports, Estee Lauder saw few customers in their airport based stores. The company is now turning its sights to its Asian market. The marketing program in Asia is very effective and the market is expanding. Estee Lauder can look to those markets to see rising profits.

It is really sad to see the company struggle like this. They makes some of the finest cosmetic products, in my opinion, like Mac, Origins and Clinique. If you have some extra money, splurge on that designer fragrance or perfect shade of lipstick! Sometimes you just can say no!


Associated Press (May 4, 2009). Estee Lauder Profit Falls 70% on Charges. Retrieved May 4, 2009 from NT Times http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/05/04/business/AP-US-Earns-Estee-Lauder.html?_r=1&ref=business

Freelance instead of full-time?

These days more people are struggling to find and keep full-time jobs. The answer may be freelance. Freelance can be beneficial to job seekers and businesses. Businesses can save money by paying for work when they need it and save on costly benefit packages. Job seekers get what they are looking for, a job. But the risks are higher for freelance seekers. The employment is erratic, meaning a steady paycheck is inconsistent. They also have to pay for their own health insurance and fund their own retirement plan. It seems that the risks out-weigh the benefits, but when you are unemployed you will do anything that comes your way. For the ones that are just about to graduate, some of us may not have the experience for a freelance job. But it takes putting yourself out there and we know how to do that. All you can do is try and maybe you will make some money working a really cool job! Obviously, you also want to continue to look for that full-time position in the mean time!

Dickler, Jessica (May 4, 2009). Freelance is the New Full-Time. Retrieved May 4, 2009 from http://money.cnn.com/2009/05/04/news/economy/freelance_workers/index.htm?postversion=2009050403