USA : Tandy Brands to cease distribution opts at West Bend facility

Tandy Brands Accessories Inc announced that, consistent with its ongoing effort to streamline operations and improve profitability, it will cease distribution operations at the Company's facility in West Bend, Wisconsin during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

Distribution that has been done at this facility will be transferred to either the Company's Dallas or Yoakum, Texas distribution facilities or may be outsourced to a well-respected, third-party vendor. The Company expects to conclude the majority of its distribution operations at the 264,000 square foot facility by January 31, 2008.

The Company has listed the facility for sale with a broker in West Bend. The Company anticipates that it will incur approximately $550,000 of additional costs for employee termination benefits and other expenses associated with this initiative during the fiscal second and third quarters ending December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008.

J.S.B. Jenkins, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, "We are continuing to make the hard choices to eliminate overhead and to streamline our operations. The closing of this distribution center will improve the return we generate on our assets, focus our organization, and reduce costs. As we move forward, we believe that this transition will generate significant savings for the Company during fiscal 2009."

Tandy Brands Accessories Inc

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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USA : Nordstrom to open at Ridgedale Center in Minneapolis

Seattle-based Nordstrom Inc announced it has signed a letter of intent with General Growth Properties Inc to open a new Nordstrom store at Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka, Minn. The new, two-level Nordstrom will be approximately 172,000 square feet and is scheduled to open fall 2011.

"We've been in the Twin Cities area since 1992 and have been fortunate to have great customer support at our Mall of America store," said Erik Nordstrom, president of stores for Nordstrom. "We have long wanted to expand our presence here and are thrilled about this opportunity at Ridgedale."

"Nordstrom solidifies Ridgedale Center as one of the Midwest's top shopping destinations. We admire Nordstrom's commitment to outstanding merchandise and superior customer service, and this is a great opportunity to continue providing an unparalleled lineup of retail for the Twin Cities shopper. This is an extension of our vision of 'People creating special places and experiences,'" said Bob Michaels, president and chief operating officer of General Growth Properties, Inc.

Ridgedale Center is the strongest regional shopping center on the west side of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The two-level, super regional center is home to more than 120 top specialty retailers and now, with Nordstrom, four department stores. For more on Ridgedale Center.

The Nordstrom at Ridgedale Center will be the retailer's second store in Minnesota. Nordstrom at Mall of America opened in 1992, and Nordstrom also operates a Rack at Mall of America.

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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USA : Mr. Carney to execute Citi Trends growth plans

Citi Trends Inc announced that Brian P. Carney has joined the Company's Board of Directors, effective immediately. With his appointment, the Board now consists of five directors, four of whom are independent directors. Mr. Carney will serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

A 25-year retail and public company veteran, Mr. Carney currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of BI-LO, LLC, a position he has held since 2005. His extensive finance career includes serving for 8 years as Chief Financial Officer for Jo-Ann Stores Inc, as well as more than 8 years with Revco, where he served as Senior Vice President of Finance for the Company. Mr. Carney began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. in 1982 and he is a CPA and a member of the AICPA and South Carolina Society of CPA's.

Ed Anderson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Citi Trends, noted, "We are pleased to add Brian to the Board of Directors. As a highly successful chief financial officer, he is well-versed not only in all areas of finance but also in strategic planning, real estate and retail supply chain operations. His experience in fast-growth retail environments was also very attractive to us and should help guide the Company as we execute our growth plans."

Citi Trends Inc

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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USA : New Nordstrom to be retailer's first Alabama store

Seattle-based Nordstrom Inc announced it has signed a letter of intent with General Growth Properties and Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC to open a new Nordstrom store at Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham.

The two-level Nordstrom will be approximately 143,000 square feet and will open in the former Macy's location. Scheduled to open spring 2012, the new Nordstrom will be the retailer's first Alabama store.

"We've been looking for the right opportunity to open a store in the Birmingham area for years," said Erik Nordstrom, president of stores for Nordstrom. "We're eager to serve Alabama customers who already know us and to build relationships with those who are experiencing Nordstrom for the first time."

"Nordstrom sets the standard for retail excellence, something our shoppers have come to expect from GGP and Riverchase Galleria," said Bob Michaels, president and chief operating officer of General Growth Properties Inc.

"This is a great opportunity to continue providing an unparalleled line-up of retail for the Birmingham shopper. Nordstrom's commitment to outstanding merchandise and superior customer service will be a perfect complement to the existing department stores, Belk, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears."

"Riverchase Galleria is the premiere super-regional shopping center in the southeast," said Jim Wilson, III, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC. "We continue to seek out and attract the most stellar tenants in the country and this is the case with Nordstrom, one of the leading fashion specialty retailers in the United States.

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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USA : Perry Ellis announces $20 mn stock repurchase authorization

Perry Ellis International Inc announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new stock repurchase program. This program authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $20 million of its common stock for cash in accordance with SEC requirements.

George Feldenkreis, chairman and chief executive officer of Perry Ellis International, stated: "We believe this decision to initiate a stock repurchase program underscores the Board of Directors' confidence in Perry Ellis International's diversified growth strategies.

This announcement also demonstrates our commitment to enhancing long-term stockholder value and our optimism in our ongoing ability to generate consistent returns by maximizing the value our diversified brand model offers."

The timing and the amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company's management, based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The stock repurchase program will be funded using the Company's cash balances and available credit facilities.

Shares acquired will be available for use under the Company's employee stock plans and for other general corporate purposes. Although the Board of Directors allocated a maximum of $20 million to carry out the program, the company is not obligated to purchase any specific number of outstanding shares, and will reevaluate the program on an ongoing basis.

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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India : Winter wonders with Westside collection

When the days grow shorter, weather gets cooler, colour fades out of the season …. it’s time to add that splash of colour to your winter wardrobe. This season, dress chic and stay in vogue with Westside, as the stylish store from the house of Tata’s presents its WINTER COLLECTION.

The range brings to you a casual yet stylish interplay of various patterns, vibrant colors and trendy designs to keep you warm this winter. In bright hues of fuchsia, aqua, brown, black and blue, the collection has all that you are looking for.

Cuddle up in trendy winter wear as the collection for women includes double look mock and brown polo neck jackets, multi-colour jacquard sweater, deep neck cable sweater in blue, deep fuschia sweater with buttons, black knee lemgth skirt with buckle, lovely olive color cargo skirt with embroidery ideal for picnic wear, cowl neck tunic with buckle belt in bright.

Besides all this, leg warmer sets in bright colors, crochet stole, mufflers, caps and corduroy bags, are also a must have this winter.

Setting the mood for the season is Westside’s casual and easy winter wear for men. The range delights with reversible jersey, full open zipper long-sleeve and yarn dyed sweaters, flock-printed sweaters, blasé striper-flock printed sweater , and hazel denims with contrast inner-waist.

For kids, Westside presents an energizing collection ranging from vibrant colours like pink, blue, red and brown. The kid's collection offers a hip and trendy range of denims with embroidery, cool hooded sweatshirts with kangaroo pockets, foil printed sleeved t-shirts.

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Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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Austria : British Fashion Awards sparkle with Swarovski!

The British Fashion Awards took place in London, supported for the second consecutive year by Swarovski, hosting international names in fashion such as Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Thandie Newton, Dita Von Teese and Lily Allen.

The Following awards were won by:
- DESIGNER OF THE YEAR: Stella McCartney
- NEW DESIGNER: Christopher Kane
- RETAIL CONCEPT: Marc Jacobs
- BFC FASHION ENTERPRISE AWARD SPONSORED BY SWAROVSKI: Erdem
- DESIGNER BRAND: Anya Hindmarch
- MODEL OF THE YEAR: Agyness Deyn
- ISABELLA BLOW AWARD FOR FASHION CREATOR: Michael Howells
- RED CARPET DESIGNER: Marchesa
- MENSWEAR DESIGNER: Christopher Bailey
- ACCESSORY DESIGNER: Tom Binns
- OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN FASHION DESIGN: Dame Vivienne Westwood

Fashion designer Erdem Moralioglu shone the brightest as he received the Swarovski sponsored British Fashion Council Fashion Enterprise Award, aimed at supporting a developing designer currently showing at London Fashion Week through a cash injection prize of £50,000.

A delighted Erdem said:'The recognition of the Fashion enterprise award means so much to me and my business. It means as a business we can grow and develop creatively. On behalf of myself and everyone I work with we thank Swarovski and the British Fashion council so much for this honour.'

Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of International Communications says:
'Swarovski is proud to support the British FashionCouncil, and in particular the British Fashion Awards, which form a platform from which the hard work, efforts, creativity and talent of designers are recognized, acknowledged, judged and celebrated.

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Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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USA : CTFA now as Personal Care Products Council

At the annual fall meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures in Phoenix, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, announced it is changing its name to the Personal Care Products Council and launched an ambitious new consumer information Web site that contains in-depth information about cosmetic safety.

Founded in 1894, the Washington, D.C.-based Council represents the global cosmetic, fragrance and personal care product industry. The new Web site, Cosmeticsinfo, is an in-depth online resource that gives consumers easy access to safety information about cosmetic ingredients and the science behind the personal care products found in nearly every medicine cabinet and cosmetic case.

The site currently contains information on 13 personal care product categories and more than 1,500 ingredients that represent a majority of all ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care products.

Additionally, cosmeticsinfo.org provides links to other authoritative bodies and to scientific research so consumers can confidently select the products that are right for them. The site will continue to be expanded and updated with new information.

“The wide range of beauty and personal care products we represent are essential to today’s lifestyles, and consumers turn to us for accurate information about them,” said Marc Pritchard, President – Global Strategy at Procter & Gamble and chairman of the board of the Personal Care Products Council.

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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USA : J.Crew Direct sales (Internet and Catalog) up in Q3

J.Crew Group Inc announced financial results for the three months (Third Quarter) and nine months (First Nine Months) ended November 3, 2007.

Third Quarter highlights:
• Revenues increased 21% to $332.7 million. Store sales (Retail and Factory) increased 16% to $233.6 million, with comparable store sales increasing 8%. Realigning last year's calendar weeks to be consistent with the current year retail calendar weeks would result in a comparable store sales increase of 5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2007. Comparable store sales increased 19% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Direct sales (Internet and Catalog) rose by 36% to $90.3 million. Direct sales increased 18% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.

• Operating income increased 44% to $47.7 million, or 14.3% of revenues, compared to $33.2 million, or 12.0% of revenues, in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.

• Net income available to common stockholders was $26.8 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to $26.0 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. The current year period reflects an effective tax rate of 39.8% as compared to an effective tax rate of 7.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.

• Adjusted net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 totaled $17.2 million, or $0.27 per diluted share.

Millard Drexler, J.Crew's Chairman and CEO stated: "We are pleased with our third quarter results, which reflect the strength of both our Store and Direct businesses and our ongoing commitment to great style, quality and design.

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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USA : Beacon 2008 student winners announced!

PBA is pleased to announce the 100 winning students chosen to attend Beacon 2008! These 100 students were selected from nearly 400 applicants, based on the creativity, presentation and content of their resume, professional portfolio and creative marketing pieces.

All of the applications were judged by Professional Beauty Association (PBA) members. Meet these exceptional students and see their projects displayed at TSA Symposium 12 in Orlando, FL this January 12-15, 2008.

Held annually in conjunction with TSA Symposium, Beacon accepts only 100 of the nation's top cosmetology students and provides them with a foundation to build a successful future in the industry.

Designed to educate students on the various components needed to manage a successful career, Beacon goes beyond just teaching styling techniques and provides valuable insight on marketing, business operations, networking and leadership training. Beacon truly helps students recognize that they are not just choosing a job, but rather a lifetime profession.

Beacon winners receive free tuition to attend TSA's Symposium 12, held this year in Orlando, Florida January 12-15, 2008, an estimated $799 value.

The "It's About Time" themed Symposium will host various educational sessions and workshops in addition to special Beacon-only breakouts, exposing students to business concepts and strategies implemented in salons nationwide to grow their businesses.

Students can also take advantage of the Beacon Career Center and a speed interviewing breakout with top salon and spa owners. Winning applicants in the past have described this weekend of inspiration as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.

Professional Beauty Association

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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USA : Beverly Center to now have great Ed Hardy experience

Expanding into an indoor mall location for the first time, "Godfather of Street Chic" Christian Audigier announced the Grand Opening of his newest store at Los Angeles' Beverly Center, the largest grossing and premier trendsetting marketplace in Los Angeles.

The Beverly Center opening marks the rapidly growing Ed Hardy retail collection's expansion into an indoor mall venue. Ed Hardy retail locations on New York's SOHO and Meat Packing District and on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles are well known for their distinctively fun, California garage-themed shopping experiences.

The new 1,000 square foot Beverly Center store, designed by OCA Architecture, takes the Ed Hardy shopping experience to new heights by combining additional elements of style, shopping ease and visual merchandising with Ed Hardy's proven street location formula.

"This is an important first step in our national retail roll-out plan and we could not have picked a better venue than the Beverly Center, acclaimed as both a retail volume and style powerhouse," said Henry R. Mandell, President and COO of Shop on Stage Inc Christian Audigier's retail holding company.

"Retail mall expansion is critical to our building of new geographic markets and to be closer to our customer base. This is just the first step in our national presence in the top mall retailing locations around the country which will unfold in the next few years," concluded Mandell.

Audigier's Shop on Stage Inc operates ten Ed Hardy or Christian Audigier stores in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Tucson. The company has made commitments or indications for new stores in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, New York-Long Island and Boston for 2008. An additional 8-10 store openings are planned each year in 2009 and beyond.

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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USA : Ohio-based DSW to release Q3 earnings on Dec 5

DSW Inc announced that third quarter earnings will be reported at approximately 7:00 AM Eastern time on Wednesday, December 5, 2007. Deborah Ferree, Vice Chairman and Chief Merchandising Officer; Peter Horvath, President; and Douglas Probst, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will conduct a conference call to discuss the Company's performance and will accept questions at 8:00 AM Eastern time on that date.

What: DSW 2007 Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call
When: Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 8:00 AM Eastern
How: The conference call can be accessed two ways: Live over the Internet log on to the Website and Live call

The webcast is also being distributed through the Thomson StreetEvents Network. Individual investors can listen to the call at earnings.com, Thomson's individual investor portal, powered by StreetEvents. Institutional investors can access the call via Thomson StreetEvents, a password-protected event management site.

DSW Inc

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USA : Nexia to effect A 1-For-100 everse stock split

Nexia Holdings Inc announced that it will effect a 1-for-100 reverse split as result of complaints that many long time investors, shareholders and employees are unable to trade Nexia's stock as result of no bid being reflected in the security.

The reverse split will reduce the authorized shares from 50 Billion to 500 Million shares. The effective date of the split is yet to be determined, and will be announced as soon as it is confirmed. Further adjustments to the authorized shares may need to be made via shareholder action, which will be disclosed in a Schedule 14C to be filed with the sec.

Richard Surber, CEO of Nexia, stated, "I have agonized over the reverse split option and decided that there are no better options. I recently watched a Disney film called 'Meet the Robinson's' with my six-year old niece.

In the film, a young orphan becomes a very successful scientist and entrepreneur. After failing many times to perfect certain inventions.

He is given sage advice by other scientist, 'Keep moving forward.' Although a reverse split may appear to be a step backward, we believe by taking one step back, we can make two steps forward."

"Nexia will be like the orphan that becomes a fantastic success only if our team keeps moving the company forward. Nexia has made tremendous progress over the last 12 months.

It is unfortunate that Nexia has been unable to get the traction needed to maintain a respectable market capitalization.

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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USA : Warnaco to participate in NASDAQ investor program

The Warnaco Group Inc is scheduled to present at the 20th NASDAQ Investor Program in London on Wednesday, December 5, 2007.

Warnaco's presentation will begin at approximately 4:30 a.m. ET on December 5th. The presentation will be webcast and can be accessed via the investor relations page of Warnaco's website. For those unable to participate, an archived broadcast will be available shortly following the presentation.

The Warnaco Group Inc, headquartered in New York, is a leading apparel company engaged in the business of designing, sourcing, marketing and selling intimate apparel, menswear, jeanswear, swimwear, men's and women's sportswear and accessories.

The Warnaco Group Inc

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USA : 'It's About Time' - theme of TSA Symposium 12

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is a non-profit trade association that represents the interests of the professional beauty industry from manufacturers and distributors to salons and spas.

January 12-15, 2008
- Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Orlando, Florida

TSA Symposium 12 will offer a variety of programming for attendees, including: Networking Round Tables, Breakout Sessions and the exclusive, intimate Business Expo.

The theme for 2008 is "It's About Time" and successful salon/spa owners and industry leaders will share their secrets for maximizing business success.

Keynote speakers such as Dr. Jeffrey Magee, Steven Brooks, Eric Fisher, Robert Cromeans, James Morrison and Van Council are guaranteed to leave attendees filled with ideas to incorporate in their own business strategies.

International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE):
January 26-28, 2008
- Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California

As the West Coast's largest beauty event, ISSE features 400+ exhibitor companies on a sold-out exhibition floor. ISSE also offers beauty professionals the opportunity to learn everything from styling techniques to how to run a profitable salon.

In addition to in-booth education, this year's show will include the International Fashion Theater, Technical Theater, Latino Theater, Hands-On Educationand complimentary educational seminars on hair, nails, skin and best business practices.

Professional Beauty Association

Source at Fibre2fashion.com

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Inspirational Art

A selection of inspirational art by Josephine Wall

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Posted in Art , fantasy

How We Met

A touching tale of how two lovers found their heart! Aaw.
http://www.zoomintosee.com
The music is by Son of Dave.
A stickman and stickwoman drawn on bodies falling in love.

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Posted in Art , Cool Video , Design

China Like You've Never Seen It Before

Chinese artist / Photographer Dr. Feng Jiang took these amazing photos around China which for me at least really change the way you percieve the country - beyond the communism, the censorship and the alien practices, lies an amazingly beautiful and incredible country.

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Posted in Cool Pics , Nature , Photography , Travel

Transparent Butterflies

Butterflies with transparent wings. Aren't they beautiful?

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Posted in Beautiful Pictures , butterfly , rare , unusual

Celebrity Mugshots

These are Celebrity mugshots,and they ain't pretty.As you can see professional Make-up and lighting,makes a world of difference.

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Posted in Celebrities , Entertainment , Mugshots , Weird Video

Crazy Cars and Dumb Drivers

A humorous list of crazy wheels created by dumb drivers.

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Posted in Cars and Vehicles , Funny Pictures , Weird Stuff