Sephora upgrades JC Penney

A couple of years ago JC Penney announced its plan to team up with Sephora. So far 130 Sephora stores have rolled out as a store inside a store at JC Penney. I think its a great strategic move for JC Penney. In my opinion Sephora really took a chance in de-valuing its brand or have they? Sephora is a prestigious high end retailer, JC Penney not so much. Could it be that Sephora is looking to widen its customer base not only to increase its retail presence but for its mid-priced private label brand as well? Mass distribution and strategically placed private label cosmetics can provide a great revenue stream for Sephora. I guess the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy Corporation-the makers of your favorite canvas coated handbags-is trying to take over the world eh?! CEO Bernard Arnault kinda resembles Pinky & the Brain except that he's winning...to the tune of 24.2 billion dollars in an economic downturn.

Yup I'd call this one uber green

The shoe game has changed over the past few years ...$400-700.00 dollar shoes are the norm for not only the celebrities and socialites but for the working woman as well. The fashionista that not only wears the sexy pump for a man but even more so for the woman that will be envious as all hell when she spots that red sole a mile away. Well since premium designer shoes are so last year, the social register has raised the ante. This time with Rena Yip pumps that feature a green alligator sole custom tailored to your feet. These bad boys only start @ $8,888.00. Yup you've read it right and that's for a "standard" pair, an exotic pair will run your pockets for *ahem* $35,523.00...Jennifer Lopez is said to have purchased a pair. You can believe that if you want to I think they were sent to her so all the others will follow suit...Oh and get this...there is a 6 month waiting list...Steve Madden will design some knock offs in 5, 4, 3, 2...

Fifth Avenue has a heart (?)

Well looky looky what do we have here? The PPR Corporation famous for their roster of luxury brands such as Gucci, Yves St. Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Puma among others is the major sponsor of the self-proclaimed "greatest green event ever." On June 5th, HOME a film by director Yann Arthus-Bertrand that documents the environment and our consumptious behavior and its effect on our planet earth will be shown via various outlets in 87 countries. PPR's involvement made me ask what is a global luxury conglomerate (over 20 billion in sales '08) who's profits rely on the ultimate in conspicuous consumption doing promoting non-consumptive behavior? (No way!) According to their strategic key priorities for '08-'10:

*Measure & limit transport related Co2 emissions
*Reduce the environmental impact of stores and infrastructures
*Promote responsible products and practices (recyclable canvas anyone?)

Notable actions in 2008 include a corporate foundation for women's dignity & rights. PPR has a 52.6 workforce of women, 46.3 of these are managers. Do you think Salma Hayek had any influence on the executive committee :-) I mean she is the wife and baby momma of CEO Mr. Pinault. The Mrs. works with the United Nations, UNICEF and AVON's Foundation For Women on various global issues particularly with women & children.
For more info on the HOME initiative, please visit http://www.home-2009.com/us/
An outdoor screening of the film will be held in Central Park on June 5th.