talk

As the economy doldrums set in and few Americans can afford the luxury of that new car, computer upgrade or even that new flat screen TV, it’s the little things that we will rely on to make us happy. It’s a special lunch at our favorite place, a latte indulgence that feels like a hug. It’s Pizza and a movie. It’s take out or a drive-through pick up.

Euripides said: “When a man’s stomach is full it makes no difference whether he is rich or poor.”

This may explain why, although most consumer spending is down, the NRA forecasts that snack and non-alcoholic beverage shops including McDonalds, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and Jamba Juice, are expected to post growth. And while most retailers are down, Walmart and Costco are posting growth. Surely this must have something to do with their reasonably priced grocery departments.
So, how can we up-sell this concept while ensuring consumers will continue to see value in the experience and in the time and energy saved by dining out?  Here are some simple truths that may go a long way to providing that “extra value’ customers are seeking.

Pamper your customers.
When times are tough and winter is coming on in more ways than one, we all have a basic need to be pampered and taken care of.  This is fulfilled when one dines out, no matter how simple the experience may be. Now would not be the time to skimp on quality of the product or cleanliness of the store. Details like courtesy, greeting your customers by name, overall atmospheric warmth and free samples can go a long way to making them feel welcomed.

Motivate your employees.
Delivering value in an economy where raw food costs are going up, and prices are not, is a tough prospect any way you look at it. Many restaurant and franchise owners are asking how to best build morale when they can’t give their staff a raise or worse, they have to ask them to take a cut. continue reading “Salty Satisfaction. It keeps us happy.”

Excursions to the African and Asian continents have been a persistent theme in 2009 spring shows: surely something to do with the urge to get as far away from the West’s problems as possible. Junya Watanabe and Ralph Lauren have both gone African throughout on their runway. Miuccia’s idea to “move away from all the fussy, couture-derived fashion that has become too heavy and overexploited,” must have really made us all remember that we’ll need truly visceral temptation to get us out shopping.

Regardless of intentions, this years spring shows seemed to be so much more authentic and riveting than previous seasons. With a few exceptions, such as the case of Gucci, designers really seemed to be taking a seeking inspiration in the cultural traditions that precede glamour, and western civilization.

In the case of Watanabe the beauty of it was the way he struck such an attractive balance between tribal references, and his own signatures. He used colorful “African” prints with motifs of apples, hearts, and leaves; he bunched, twisted, and draped them into tops, tunics, and dresses, steadily mixing them with faded denim, in the way that reflected how Western women would wear them; the ruffles of cotton prints bursting out of the hems of long skirts.

For Ralph Lauren, down came last season’s gold antlers and up went a Moroccan lamp. The show opened with a khaki camp shirt that looked like it had just come back from safari and beaded gold harem pants slung with two belts. Interspersed among the other silk-satin takes on that slouchy, relaxed.

In todays world of dramatically reconfigured priorities, Orientalist-modernist mix seemed to be the right answer. For many such as YSL and Dolce & Gabbana the choice was to play it both ways, combing Japanese-inflected austerity with uncompromising risk-taking shapes and hotly desirable accessories. The Oriental themes came out in the towering lacquered chignons, and soft, cocooning shapes inspired by kimono wrapping, and Japanese fishermen’s pants.

In these economically challenged times of conflict and insecurity, fashion leaders are using culture to bring us together reminding us once again, that it is indeed a small world.

The once secret world of the sneaker collector has exploded into popular culture, with a whole army of fans hungry for the rarest shoes, the latest designs or reissued classics in a never-ending myriad of color and materials. Sneaker fashion has evolved to the status level of couture. The exclusivity, craftsmanship and design in women’s haute couture has translated into the male sneaker world. This has spawned a renaissance of creativity, collaboration and demand. Bragging rights to be the first or only person in your circle to have the latest exclusive shoe comes at a cost.

My girlfriend has her Manolo Blahnik shoes. I have my Alife sneakers. Our habits are closer than we think.