2017 Economic Retrospective
Finance
The stock market is at an all-time high. Unemployment rates have hit rock bottom, and Southern California housing prices have surpassed their all-time high in 2009.
Southern California Retailers Grapple With Damage from Recent Fires
Retail
Retailers in Ventura, Santa Barbara and parts of Los Angeles counties were spared significant property damage from major fires ravaging the areas. However, some had to temporarily close stores and cut business hours due to poor air quality and shoppers not being able to travel.
EYSOM: Riding the New Fitness Wave
High-end Activewear
People told Stan Cheung that no man would pay $180 for a pair of athletic shorts, but the activewear maker begs to differ.
2017 Retrospective: Gap: Growth in Value & Active, L Brands: Tremors from Swim Exit
Retail
Gap Inc. has been on shaky ground in the past, but the company has seen four consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales as executives redefine the retailer’s merchandise and strategies.
2017 Retrospective: Macy’s Faces Changes, Nordstrom Remains Public
Retail
The retirement of Terry J. Lundgren marked the end of a tumultuous year for department-store giant Macy’s Inc.
Net Neutrality Repeal Expected To Drive Up E-Tail Costs
Technology
The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to overturn the current “net neutrality” regulations. Opponents of the Dec. 14 vote said it could spell disaster for small businesses that might be charged higher prices to access the Internet.
Haute Healing’s Beauty Drive for Terminally Ill Kids
For the past two years, Haute Healing has presented the gift of glam to terminally ill kids, hospital patients, homeless and disadvantaged youth. Haute Healing is wrapping up a clothing drive for its second annual event at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on Dec. 17
Aaron Levant Goes Foodie
We know Aaron Levant for the Agenda trade show and ComplexCon. Are we ready for Aaron Levant the foodie?
Taylor Swift Reputation Pop-Up Opens
Taylor Swift’s Reputation tour is scheduled to hit California in May 2018, but for those who want the Taylor experience now, the Reputation pop-up shop has opened at Third Street Promenade
Westfield Shopping Malls Sold to European Entity
Westfield Corp. sold
Westfield Corp. sells off its malls in billion-dollar deal.
Beer Savage Clothes for Craft Beers
For years, people knew Tyler Bochenek as the vice president for retail operations of skate/streetwear chain Active, then he unveiled Beer Savage.
Fashion People Making Food To Fight Fires
Eli Pirian of the Baciano company traveled with a group of Los Angeles fashion biz people on Dec. 9 to volunteer for L.A. Kitche
Macy’s Lundgren Announces Retirement as Chairman
Retail
Terry Lungren will be stepping down as chairman of the board of Macy's next year as his successor steps in.
A Bit of Ho Ho Ho for the Retail Industry
Retail
Seasonal hiring by retailers hits a healthy level in November.
Surf Expo Adds New Category to Trade Show
Surf Expo Adds New Section
Surf Expo, known for showcasing all kinds of apparel and accessories related to surfing and other water-related sports, is adding a new section called Bluewater.
2017 Newsmaker: After Bankruptcy, Quiksilver Changes Name and Goes on the Offense
2017 Newsmaker
About a year after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Quiksilver Inc., which had been one of the world’s dominant surf brands since the late 1970s, changed its corporate name.
