MBS News
Friday
September 03, 2010
Moira’s Friday Column
As you all know, I am always on the look-out for new store concepts
and (at last!) something totally fresh has just hit the high street:
Hed Kandi. What I love about it is how a music brand owned by
Ministry of Sound began life as a record label specializing in house
music. Ministry then did what it does best and moved Hed Kandi into
events and parties around the world – they are famous for their club
nights in Ibiza. Cleverly, they have now extended the brand onto the
high street, opening their first store in Bluewater and another on its
way in Liverpool.
Following the theme, the store is an extension of a club, with glitter
balls to boot! Girls can go in and get kitted out for a night on the
town, including getting your make-up and nails done in the store.
They have everything from shoes, to jewellery to outerwear and, even
if you go straight from the store to the club, the silver shopping bag
is perfect to take along with you!
The music in the store is fantastic and will be a great place to DJ. They have also launched a great online store where you can listen to music whilst you shop! I love the way they have taken the concept of a club all the way through - brand extension at its best. 
Of course, we know of other brands that have done it (think the Ferrari store on Regent Street) and I think everyone is in agreement that Apple have been the best at moving its brand into retail. Can you name me some others?
Have a great week-end and, even if you can't go clubbing, at least visit the Hed Kandi website where you can shop and dance in the comfort of your own home! moira@thembsgroup.co.uk
Retail
Snow+Rock Snaps Up Runners Need
Outdoor specialist Snow+Rock has bought running specialist Runners Need for an undisclosed sum. The sale will allow Runners Need to expand its portfolio and grow a presence outside of London.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Melvita To Open First UK Store In Covent Garden
French organic cosmetics retailer Melvita is to open its first UK store in November at the St Martin’s Courtyard development in Covent Garden. The store stocks more than 300 beauty products certified by EcoCert.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Maplin Owners Consider Sale
Maplin Electronics could reportedly be put up for sale by its private equity owner, Montagu, with a price tag of around £400m.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Consumer Goods
McBride Completes Czech Skincare Swoop
Leading supplier of private label household and personal care products, McBride, has moved into skincare following the acquisition of 70% of Czech manufacturer Dermacol in an £8m deal.
Read more on www.thegrocer.co.uk »
Samsung Unveils iPad Rival Galaxy Tab
Samsung has officially revealed its tablet computer, the Galaxy Tab, at a popular consumer electronics show in Berlin. It will reportedly be sold at half the price of Apple's iPad.
Read more on www.brandrepublic.com »
Digital And Online
Morrisons Considers Online Food Launch
New Morrisons boss Dalton Philips is expected to signal a move into selling food online when he unveils elements of his strategy for the grocer at next week’s interim results.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Private Sales Site Cocosa Refreshes To Keep Ahead
Online private sales site Cocosa has relaunched its website and will unveil a new dedicated menswear site later this year.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
e-Commerce Debut For Polo Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren will launch its first transactional UK website next month, in the hopes of growing its UK revenue tenfold over the next five years.
Read more on www.drapersonline.com »
Fashion, Lifestyle And Luxury
George At Asda Teams Up With Tailor For Designer Collection
Asda fashion brand George has teamed up with renowned tailor Charlie Allen for its first designer collaboration as it hailed the end of disposable fashion and the start of a focus on quality.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Liberty’s Ed Burstell To Star In TV Series
Liberty managing director Ed Burstell is to star as “the Simon Cowell of retailing” in a major new BBC2 television show, The Buying Game.
Read more on www.drapersonline.com »
Guess Plans London Openings For Kidswear And Sub-Brand Stores
US denim brand Guess is to open a standalone kidswear store as it gears up for rapid expansion in the UK. It will also debut a standalone store for its catwalk-inspired sub-brand Guess by Marciano next year.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Travel And Leisure
Burger King Agrees To Be Sold For $3.26 Billion
Burger King has agreed to sell itself to investment firm 3G Capital for about $3.26bn. However, it will still be allowed to seek higher bids from alternative investors until October 12.
Landmark Bids £90m For Carluccio’s
Italian dining chain Carluccio’s has reportedly received a £90m takeover offer from the Dubai-based Landmark Group.
On The Move
Asda’s George Appoints Top Marks & Spencer Executive
The MBS Group would like to congratulate Nick Jones on his appointment as merchandising, supply and sourcing director for George. He joins Asda's fashion arm after a 15-year career at Marks & Spencer, where he rose to become director of sourcing then director of home, beauty and gifts.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Pietrini Named New Orangina Schweppes Chief
Hugues Pietrini has been named president of the French division of Orangina Schweppes. He will assume a seat on the group's executive committee.
Read more on www.just-drinks.com »
The Weatherman Says...
The weather is fantastic. I went for a swim in the Parliament Hill Lido yesterday. Founded in 1937, it is the best pool I have ever swum in. The water was stunningly clear and cool and the pool is huge. I'm taking the kids there this arvy. Have a great weekend.