Off the runway, designers adapt to new reality

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2009

Off the runway, designers adapt to new reality

At Norma Kamali's first runway show in at least five years, what she
designs for retail giant Wal-Mart will get equal play as her eponymous
high-end fare.

THE NEW FACE OF LUXURY AT SAKS

The luxury retailer is attempting to address the new reality of the
pummeled sector and what shoppers in that group may desire.

U.K. RETAIL SALES FLAT, DISAPPOINT EXPECTATIONS

British retail sales volumes were flat in August, the Office for National
Statistics reported Thursday, coming in below expectations as shoppers
spurned clothing and footwear purchases after a big surge earlier this
summer.

AS DOW 10,000 LOOMS, IT'S A TIME FOR WORRY

In March, it was just a relief that stocks rose after six months
straight down. In April and May, it was perplexing. In June, July and
August, it was
invigorating as the market recouped 50% of its losses. Now, in September,
supposedly a bad month for stocks, it's getting scary.

HOUSING STARTS, PERMITS AT NINE-MONTH HIGHS

Construction of new single-family homes and apartments accelerated in
August to the strongest pace in nine months, says the Commerce
Department.