Introducing SugieWogie, designer control SwimDresses created for women who want to flaunt their curves and firm what they have. No more dreading swim season, vacations, or pool parties where you only feel comfortable hiding under over-sized tunics and shorts. SugieWogie is the first ever line of luxury SwimDresses for women of all sizes that control imperfections and trouble spots.
The lifestyle SugieWogie SwimDress was created by Shari Riehl when she realized there are many women out there like herself who desire to look good and feel good from the beach, to cocktails, to dinner, dancing and more. The dress is created with function and fashion in mind.
Cut from lusciously soft nylon/spandex, the collection of SwimDresses have one-piece body shaping bodysuits complete with legs (thigh-controlling shorts). While most swimsuits cut off at the widest part of a woman’s body — her hips — these SwimDresses are a bit longer, to cover problem areas. No more super tight elastic band hugging your upper thigh and causing a muffin leg. The legs are double lined and lay flat for a sleek look.
The SugieWogie Signature Collection consists of 4 SwimDresses and 2 cover-up tops. SugieWogie Signature Collection comes in four designer styles: Cheers for Tiers, Splash Safari, Marilyn Sighting and Ruche Hour. Each SwimDress is crafted from a luxuriously soft nylon/spandex blend with a concealing, sheer mesh overlay. The signature cover-ups are mesh tops that compliment your bathing suits in styles named Ruffles Hide Ridges and Oh So Kimono. All are available in black (but of course), are patent-pending and made in the USA.
“I created the line because I believe all women should be able to celebrate rather than dread swimsuit season,” says founder Shari Riehl. “SugieWogie SwimDresses control your imperfections, but never tame your spirit. These are dresses you can feel good about wearing everywhere, whether it’s to the beach, the pool, out to dinner or dancing.”
All pieces are available online at www.sugiewogie.com. Prices available upon request.
Monthly Archives: April 2012
Uniqlo Rebrands Underwear
Retailer Uniqlo plans to unify its spring and summer underwear ranges under the new brand AIRism, after identifying the functional innerwear category as a strategic product line.
The brand will incorporate the existing Sarafine and Silky Dry products. The Sarafine range for women absorbs and removes excess moisture, while the silky dry for men feels smooth and comfortable.
Uniqlo says it has generated worldwide sales of 54m units of Sarafine and silky dry innerwear since 2007.
A spokesperson for the company said: “The main reason for us to re-brand our Sarafine and Silky Dry lines into the AIRism brand is to seek some consistency with our fall/winter innerwear
products, which were grouped under the Heattech product brand.”
JC Penney Cuts 600 Jobs
US department store retailer JCPenney Company Inc is cutting around 10% of the staff at its corporate headquarters in Plano, Texas as part of an ongoing transformation of its business under new CEO Ron Johnson.
The changes are part of plans revealed by the retailer in January to achieve $900m in cost savings over the next two years. On April 5, JC Penney said it expects to see around $200m in savings at its headquarters, where 600 jobs will go. It is also closing its customer call center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Johnson, the former head of retail at Apple Inc, has already outlined his vision to revamp the firm with a new low-pricing strategy, re-invented store experience, a new identity and a number of new brands.
He now says simplifying its management layers will give a more competitive operational structure, with wider spans of control and greater accountability throughout the organization.
“We are transitioning from a culture based on management to one based on leadership,” Johnson said.
“We are going to operate like a start-up. We are going to extend the reach and span of control of our very best talent. We are going to be nimble, quick to learn, quicker to react and totally committed to realizing our vision to become America’s favorite store.”
The retailer, which operates 1,100 stores, has also pledged to save $400m from its store operations and $300m in advertising expenses by the end of 2013. This should reduce expenses to below 30% of sales and position the business to achieve an expense run rate of 27% by 2015.
“We are on the cutting edge of a new approach to retail,” adds chief operating officer Mike Kramer. “Even this early on in our transformation, it’s clear that many of the processes required under the old business model are no longer needed.”
Changes so far have included rebuilding the merchandising and planning and allocation teams to continually curate the product offering, edit brands and assortments, and ultimately organize stores into a series of stores, shops and boutiques, which will feature newness on a monthly basis.
“Actions like this will enable us to quickly take advantage of a variety of expense savings opportunities while enhancing our profit formula for the long term,” Kramer adds.
Coquette Shines at ILS in Las Vegas
-Castle Megastore wins trip for two to Hawaii-
Coquette is pleased to announce their success at the International Lingerie Show March 26th to 28th at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Coquette has been in attendance showing their collections since the creation of the show in October 1996.
The Coquette booth was decorated by beautiful, larger-than-life media shots of the best-selling pieces from each collection. Highlighted were the cover pieces from Main, Darque and Masquerade all of which showcased under the Coquette logo that could be seen throughout the show above the other booths. Definitely a main attraction, Coquette saw a constant flow of international buyers, retailers and media, all of whom stopped in for a visit. The team on location discussed Coquette’s current designs and the many new features to expect within the year. Design was also on hand to discuss the inspiration behind the collections, what’s trending and “why we love it” aspect of the lines.
The sales representatives received orders from all their customers and created many new accounts. Feedback was strong for customer service, product quality and the approachability of the Coquette team. Many retailers commented on the amazing Coquette models and their extensive knowledge of the product line and the positive atmosphere they helped to create within the booth. Both ladies discussed what they loved about each piece and a variety of ways that they could be worn, all the while available for media shots, interviews and videos.
“This show was steady with all of our loyal customers who made the trip to the show here in Vegas,” said owner Peter Horea. “All of our customers who stopped by the booth placed an order so we found to have a good response from them and positive feedback on our new collections.”
While in attendance at the show, Coquette showcased 10 outfits in the Monday night lingerie fashion show, three Masquerade costumes, two Darque pieces and five outfits of the best-selling lingerie lines. Retailers and distributors packed the room to be entertained by dancers and the newest fashions by exhibitors. The show included costumes, shoes and lingerie pieces that were grouped by company name and showcased through dance routines.
During each International Lingerie Show Coquette has a giveaway promotion that one lucky buyer can win through a draw done on the Tuesday night. This past show the prize was a trip for two to Hawaii. This fabulous vacation will send the winners to Oahu where they will stay at a Sheraton Resort for one memorable and exotic week. Buyers were given a ballot for every $3,000 order placed. This year the winner of the trip was Castle Megastore who has been a Coquette client for over 10 years.
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“We were extremely thrilled to have pulled Castle Megastore as the winner of this trip,” said sales manager Dave George. “Our relationship with this company is very strong and they have remained loyal to Coquette and our designs for over a decade. We look forward to sending them on this exceptional vacation as a token of our appreciation for all the business we have done with them over the years.”
As another successful show has winded down, Coquette has already booked their attendance for the fall show September 10th to 12th, 2012 at the Rio in Las Vegas. Retailers and buyers alike can look forward to the official launch of the 2013 Kissable & Nutz Collection catalog as well the 2013 Spring/Summer Collection. These two new lines are currently in the works and the company is eager to debut them this fall.
INTERNATIONAL LINGERIE SHOW
The ILS is one of the largest lingerie shows in the United States occurring biannually in March and September. This show caters to designers and is free for qualified buyers to attend. Showcasing over three days are the major lingerie distributors in the industry along with swimwear, dancewear, club wear, shoes, hosiery and adult novelty items.http://lvlingerieshow.com
CASTLE MEGASTORE
Castle Megastore Group, Inc. is the nation’s leading retailer of adult merchandise and opened its doors in 1987. For over two decades, Castle has grown throughout the west coast with stores located in Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Castle is known throughout the industry for the exceptional level of customer service, vast selection and inviting store environments. Stores range in size from 5,000 to 16,000 square feet and are designed carefully with the customers in mind. Our focus is to create a fun, friendly, shopping experience that is safe and well lit. www.castlemegastore.com
COQUETTE INTERNATIONAL INC.
Coquette is an international distributor of lingerie and costumes founded in Canada. Since 1979, the company has delivered high quality collections that entail diversity of styles while captivating a realistic feminine appeal.
Coquette has become the largest manufacturer and wholesaler of lingerie in Canada and has expanded into the international market as a major distributor of intimate apparel, serving over 64 countries.
What makes Coquette unique is the diversity of styles featured in its collections that fit any lifestyle, occasion, figure or taste. Coquette is proud to offer delicate and uniquely designed lingerie in its collections, ranging in styles from romantic to risqué.
COQUETTE COLLECTIONS
Main Collection
Coquette’s Main collection is comprised of a wide variety of lingerie styles, including a full bridal collection, club, lounge and novelty wear.
Masquerade
Coquette’s Masquerade Collection is comprised of Halloween and special occasion costumes. Unique to Coquette, the collection also features role-play costumes which are costumes that include an interactive element with sexy lingerie underneath.
Darque
Coquette’s Darque Collection is comprised of an array of sleek, stylish club wear with a playful fetish flare.
Holiday
The Holiday Collection includes Christmas, Valentine’s Day and New Years themed lingerie, available in holiday colors and a variety of styles.
For more information on Coquette and its products, visit us online at www.coquette.com.