Industry News – October 21st, 2016

Curated fashion industry news links for Friday, October 21st, 2016…

BETSY BLOOMINGDALE’S PRIVATE COLLECTION IS GOING TO AUCTION – Pret-a-Reporter
“Personal belongings of the late fashion icon, socialite and philanthropist Betsy Bloomingdale will be auctioned in New York later this year and next year.”

REPORT: COACH IN TALKS TO BUY BURBERRY – TFL
“UK-based website, Betaville is reporting the possibility of a $20 million Coach and Burberry merger. According to Betaville, “Coach has been talking to financial advisers from Evercore for several weeks on the potential deal, according to two sources familiar with the situation.” Burberry recently announced on the UK regulatory news service that it bought its own shares as part of share buy-back scheme, implying the company isn’t in formal takeover talks.”

LIFESTYLE AND HOME DÉCOR BRAND EXPANDING – ChainStoreAge
“The 1,300-sq.-ft. store, which will have an additional 500 sq. ft. of outdoor space, will feature samples of every style from Serena & Lily’s signature bedding, textiles, wallpaper, rug and paint collections, as well as a curated collection of furniture, lighting, outdoor living and décor items. It will include an extensive swatch wall featuring more than 300 original Serena & Lily textile designs, and rotating art displays featuring original works.”

DESIGNER RICHARD NICOLL HAS DIED AT AGE 39 – TheCut
“Richard Nicoll passed away on Friday morning in Sydney at age 39 after suffering a heart attack, Vogue UK reports. Born in London but raised in Australia, the fashion designer had been a London Fashion Week staple for almost a decade.”

ERRATIC WEATHER KEEPS FOOTWEAR REVENUES DOWN IN SEPTEMBER – FootwearNews
“Total U.S. footwear sales declined 5 percent year-over-year in September, according to the latest report from The NPD Group, as uncooperative weather continues to take a toll on footwear and apparel firms.”

NIKE, ARMANI FACTORY TO MOVE OPERATIONS FROM CHINA TO U.S., CREATE 400 JOBS – TFL
“A Chinese manufacturer that makes apparel under the Adidas, Reebok and Armani brands will open a factory in Arkansas, creating 400 jobs, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Thursday.”