President, WSL Strategic Retail
President of WSL Strategic Retail, a New York City consultancy in retail shopper strategy, and publisher of How America Shops, a biweekly publication
PROFILE
Candace Corlett
Guest
FROM Candace Corlett
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Where Are Young People Shopping? American Apparel filed for bankruptcy this morning. Among other problems, the Los Angeles-based clothing company hasn’t turned a profit since 2010. But CEO antics notwithstanding, American Apparel isn’t alone. Youth-focused chains like Wet Seal and Delia’s entered bankruptcy last year, and staples like Aeropostale and Abercrombie & Fitch are also struggling. So where are young people spending their money instead?
Which Way, L.A.?
The New Thriftiness in America Today's news that consumer spending dropped by one percent last month -- the biggest decrease since 2001, isn't what retailers want to hear right now. After a day of thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season kicks off on Friday, traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year. Retailers count on weeks ahead to bring in one-third of their annual sales. What are retailers doing to bring shoppers in? Are Americans re-thinking their consumer habits in the midst of economic hard times? Will more people be drawn to the simple lifestyle movement? What shifts does that signal for an economy that depends on consumer spending?
To the Point
The New Thriftiness in America Today's news that consumer spending dropped by one percent last month, the biggest decrease since 2001, isn't what retailers want to hear right now. After a day of thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season kicks off on Friday, traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year. Retailers count on weeks ahead to bring in one-third of their annual sales. What are retailers doing to bring shoppers in? Are Americans re-thinking their consumer habits in the midst of economic hard times? Will more people be drawn to the simple lifestyle movement? What shifts does that signal for an economy that depends on consumer spending?
Recommended
Left, Right & Center
President Trump: US to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord Trump says he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris.
To the Point
What happens when America retreats from the world? Is President Trump taking his "America First" agenda to extremes, withdrawing the country from the international stage on trade and climate change, distancing America from its traditional allies across the Atlantic and even threatening to physically isolate the country through the building of a wall along its southern border? León Krauze guest hosts.
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?