Sept 13, COH Q2 and BTS (Beauty & The Bull Magazine)

COACH:BUY THE BAG OR THE STOCK?

FY 2014 (ending June 30, 2014) is a transformational year for Coach, the quintessential American handbag/leather accessories brand. Coach is in the early innings of transforming itself into a lifestyle brand and heightening the emotional connection the brand has with consumers as it introduces a sprinkling of iconic fashion pieces to its assortments. There’s shuffling among the executive and design teams as well, as long time designer Reed Krakoff departs and is replaced by StuartVevers from the Spanish luxury design house of Loewe, and a new head of NA Retail Fran Della Badia takes the reins from Mike Tucci. I say, lots of changes, all good!

Q2 RETAIL WRAP-UP: TEEN HURTING VALUE TOP OF MIND DRIVING TRAFFIC TO OFF-PRICE AND OUTLETS, LUXURY SEE TRACTION TOO

As we go to press the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) re- vised its estimate for Q2 GDP growth to a 2.5% pace, up from the earlier 1.7%, due to higher exports and lower imports. PCE, which represented 69% of 2012’s GDP, grew at a slower pace (1.8%) in Q2 as consumers continue to feel the impact of weak income growth and higher taxes. Spending on goods represents about 34% of PCE and the larger chunk is being spent on services, including housing, healthcare, food services and accommodations, transportation and recreation.