Shopping For Discount Merchandise

By David Fishman

Discount shopping is now big business. In every shopping mall and out of town stores big business is fighting for your dollars. This is nowhere more apparent than in the women’s clothing industry. Women everywhere want to be up to date in what they are wearing-they also want to know how to achieve the designer look without the designer price tag. But, as with everything else; when it comes to shopping for discount merchandise it pays to shop around. You should also remember that just because something is cheap, or has been discounted, that you are not always getting value for money. Discount jewelry may look like you’re getting something for nothing but a lot of people have bought what they thought was gold or silver, only to find their fingers turning green within a few weeks. So the first rule of shopping for discount merchandise is be wary, if something looks too good to be true then it probably is.

J. C. Penney, Target and Walmart have all climbed on the discount clothing bandwagon. They have updated their women’s wear sections with better fitting and designer inspired clothing-however, you have to do a lot of sorting through the racks in order to come up with something that might be considered suitable. With the designer craze happening all around the country, and infiltrating every shopping mall; if you’re not careful you could end up looking as though you have raided a celebrity’s bin. The Learning Channel is good for advice on what not to where, and how to succeed in buying decent discount clothing.

The big stores have fallen for the designer craze so hard that they are even hiring their own designers to produce the clothes. The problem with this is that shoppers can often be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of merchandise that confronts them-this can result in a tiring and fruitless shopping experience.

When it comes to buying discount food then shoppers really do need to have their wits about them. Always plan before you go ahead and buy only what you want-just because an item is discounted it doesn’t mean you have to buy it. If you do decide to buy an item that is not on your list then knock something else off. Superstores and warehouse clubs are good if you are bulk buying non-perishables. You really can save on grocery shopping this way. Best advice when it comes to food is do your homework, don’t shop on an empty stomach, and limit your impulse buying.

The biggest rise in discount shopping has come about through the internet and sites such as Ebay. Here you can bid on something and people have got some fantastic bargains at unbelievable prices. On the downside not all sellers are honest and sometimes the security precautions on sites like Ebay leave a lot to be desired. Just remember before you start bidding or undertake any other discount shopping, not to buy the first thing you see. Economical shopping is best achieved by shopping around and that applies as much to discount shopping as to everything else.

Lance Armstrong Bracelets: Fashion Accessories for a Worthy Cause

By Sam Serio

Lance Armstrong bracelets, the yellow rubber wrist bands inscribed with the motto LiveStrong, are tangible parts of champion American cyclist Lance Armstrong’s legacy. Diagnosed with testicular cancer on October 2, 1996, Armstrong battled with the disease and didn’t let it get in the way of his will to wear the yellow jersey once again to compete in the Tour de France cycling tournament. In partnership with sports apparel firm Nike, he started selling his Lance Armstrong bracelets for a dollar apiece, with the profits going to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to fund cancer research.

It is not so surprising to find that the Lance Armstrong bracelets have become a cultural phenomenon. Aside from being very affordable, people feel they are contributing to a worthy cause by buying and wearing the yellow bracelets. Add this to the fact that the wrist band is not difficult to wear as a fashion accessory. It goes along well with almost any attire: from your regular jeans-and-shirt attire to preppy to sports outfits. School children and teenagers think it is hip to be seen wearing one, and it doesn’t make a huge dent in their allowance to buy it. Professional athletes have been seen wearing them at sports events. Even corporate executives in power suits have taken to wearing these Lance Armstrong bracelets.

Made from rubber, it is similar to other cause-related bracelets that have emerged over the past years, such as those for breast cancer and diabetes. Many Americans collect these wrist bands, including the Lance Armstrong bracelets, because aside from being fashion-friendly and easy to wear, they have philanthropic and social significance.

Why yellow? This color is especially significant to Lance Armstrong. Aside from imparting feelings of warmth and optimism, yellow is the color of the jersey that the leading Tour de France cyclist is given to wear, and which he has worn to victory numerous times. The yellow Lance Armstrong bracelets are his standard bearers in his fight against cancer, and they bear witness to the things that have given his life new meaning.

Since ancient times, women and men have worn one form of jewelry or another as a way of expressing some sentiment, feeling or as a symbol. The Lance Armstrong 'Live Strong' bracelet is a modern version of an age old tradition; jewelry as a symbol of hope, courage and support of a worthy cause.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

Balenciaga Handbags -- Information when Shopping for Handbags

By Joseph Wunsch

Balenciaga Handbags - Balenciaga Handbags are the chic look of today and commonly called celebrity bags. Balenciaga handbags use the best of distressed Italian goat leather to give it that slouchy one of a kind look that everyone loves. The best known Spanish fashion designer, Cristóbal Balenciaga is regarded as the guru of the fashion industry. His classic designs have inspired the fashion industry throughout the twentieth century and continue to exert influence today.

Today the House of Balenciaga is owned by Jacques Bogart S.

A. Nicolas Ghesquière has recently taken over as chief designer, re-packaging the classic Balenciaga handbags or Replica Balenciaga Handbags look for today's discriminating woman.

Balenciaga handbags and sometimes Replica Balenciaga handbags leathers are lightweight, durable and unique. The fact is no two bags look identical. These handbags are not only stylish but they are functional as well. They come in a wide range of colors like sky blue, bubblegum pink, navy, pewter, apple green and magenta. They also come in various styles and sizes to meet any need. We will explore a few of theseFirst (aka: Small, Classique, Le Dix, Lariat)This Balenciaga handbag is basically flat with rounded edges. It measures 13x2.5x7.5 and has a 18" shoulder strap. This handbag retails in the United States at approximately $995.00 and have a serial code of "103208".

City (aka medium)This handbag is very roomy and great for everyday use. It measures 15x4x10, and has a 24" shoulder strap. It has a serial code of "115748" and retails for about $1,195.00 US.

Work (aka Office, Large)Handbags in this style from Balenciaga have the serial code "132110", and retails in the United States for in the $1,275.00 price range. It measures 18x6x12 and is great for transporting files and folder from the work place to home and back.

Weekender (aka Voyage)Retailing for $1,385.00 and having serial code of "110506" it measures 21x9x15. The size of this bag will allow you to take just about anything you need for that weekend get away.

PurseHandbags in this style have the serial code "128522", and retails approximately at $1095.00 The Purse style measures 16x2x11 and is slightly larger than the Balenciaga City size but slimmer. This bag is a great addition to your next shopping trip.

BoxHandbags in this style have the serial code "145694", and retails approximately US$985.00 The Box style measures 13x6x6.5 this every day style Balenciaga bag is perfect for casual use.

TwiggyThe Twiggy style handbags measure 14.5x6.5x9, with a 23" shoulder strap. It is a bit longer and larger than the Box style. It is a great handbag for casual every day use. Handbags that are in this style have the serial code "128523", and retails for just $1055.00 in the United States.

The styles, looks, and price of the Balenciaga bag is probably one of the reasons it is called the Celebrity bag. Such names as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Nicky Hilton, Nicole Richie all sing the praises and carry Balenciaga bags - Replica Balenciaga Handbags. This is also causing a huge demand and a long waiting list. Balenciaga does not allow stores to sell their handbags online so if you see an advertisement from a store that says they have them in stock you will need to call them to order. Now you may be able to purchase an authentic Balenciaga bag on eBay but do be careful. The demand is so high that there are many fake or counterfeit items ( Replica Balenciaga Handbags ).

Here is a list of some things to think about and check into when purchasing on e-Bay.

• If a seller is selling multiple identical Balenciaga bags below retail, chances are they are a fake. Again as we stated no two are exactly the same. Replica Balenciaga Handbags
• Balenciaga handbags hold their retail value. Even a used bag will easily command over $700. Remember the saying "If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is".
• Only the extra tassels that are included with every bag are wrapped in plastic. Nothing else is. The tassels are folded loosely in plastic, not coiled.
• The shoulder straps fold seamlessly over themselves at the ends.
• All o-rings (ie. where the tassels attach) are welded shut into a seamless circle. Many counterfeit bags have a gap in the o-ring.
• Look for the embossed/raised "Lampo" signature on the zippers. Otherwise they are Replica Balenciaga Handbags

Managing Garment Merchandising

By Gaurav Doshi

Introduction

The textile and garment industry is booming in India, especially after elimination of the global quota system. Presently India is exporting garments to more than 100 countries including US, EU, Latin America, and Middle East. Last year, garment export was nearly $5000 million and about 1200 million pieces. The main competitors of India are countries like China, Korea, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Sri-Lanka.

The Indian garment industry is gaining ground in the world market at breakneck speed, but still not flourished at its fullest extent. Although the resources are available plentiful with a powerful foundation of fabric and spinning sector to support. The key factors behind this are low technological development, lower output, cut throat competition, high raw material cost, inadequate infrastructure, traditional productivity, unfavorable regulatory policies, and globalization impact. However, there is a fair list of the producers, suppliers, and exporters that are fully acknowledged with regulatory policies and formalities, international marketing policies and procedures. The only concern is in executing their productivity initiatives, and meeting with order deadlines.

Now days, major companies are adopting merchandising concepts, which comply with all procedures to execute and dispatch the shipment on time, considering quality, cost and time. Merchandisers are serious in the success of any garment retail business. They provide the right products at the right time, enabling a company to match with latest market trends and meet the market demand. In the merchandising concept, time management is a gig to manage one's time properly, so he can focus on value adding actions.

Today's garment merchandisers have to move with frequent changes in demand and the developing technologies utilized in manufacturing and production. To find out customer requirements, they regularly visit retail outlets, and come up with latest updates from frontline staff. In order to keep an eye on developments in sourcing, site visits are made every week to mainland factories to meet suppliers and study production.

In garment merchandising, there is no specific rule, so it's important to be able to think on one's feet.

The main procedures of merchandisers are as followed: Understanding Sample Order

Merchandiser has to understand the buyer's requirements after receiving specification in the sample order. In many cases, there are modifications pertaining to the specifications in the order to dispatch on time and the right quality.

He has to talk with the in-house veterans on the execution problems of sample orders, as the right information is required in decision making.

Managing order route card and production timetable

Merchandiser has to manage every single production schedule and order route card that helps to follow-up the execution in the planned way. It is expected to be acknowledged of the various descriptions like: design, no. of modules, no. of operators, how many processes, date of dispatch, quantity, output capacity, and deadlines in the schedules.

The sub-ordinates are normally assigned to follow-up with execution of the plan. Merchandiser plans the activities depending on the essentials or non-essentials, and top priority are given to the most essential tasks. This is customary that the essential activities are handled personally or with the support of junior merchandisers/sub-ordinates.

In a "daily schedule", merchandiser has to carry-out and categorize which is the most significant and urgent task. The activity that has to be focused with full attention to sweep-off non-essential activities and have to be to be corrected by prioritizing to meet the deadlines.

Using route card to reschedule activities

To get updated on the current status on the order, the route cards should be utilized. The latest status can be fed into the computers. In case, the buyer ask for the goods prior to the deadline, then merchandiser has to reorganize the schedules to accomplish tasks, output capacity, no. of pieces to be produced daily, substitute arrangements, time availability, supply time, scheduling critical ratio, etc.

Submitting pre-production samples

The pre-production samples should be provided on time to the concerned buyers. Quality of the sample must be verified. If required, revised samples should be made available to the buyers. Merchandiser should adjust to the required changes demanded by the buyer. The execution of bulk orders should be made only after samples are approved by the buyer.

In-process inspection denote between any tasks in order-execution. In case of non- conformation, it is better to focus on the concerns of quality. Merchandisers that works on complete orders have to check deviation to the production teams so that any amendments can be done to avoid the non-conformities.

Solving shortage problem

The merchandiser should know about the dearth of any commodity such as fabric, yarn, etc... from the beginning. Actions should be taken immediately to arrange required materials, after discovering the shortage. It is expected that the merchandisers should verify quality of the goods prior to execution of the order. If the material is found unavailable, the superior should be informed about the concern.

Communicating with associated people and buyer

It is essential to communicate with the buyers regarding the order. It is expected to give some time to the buyer to read the sent messages. Merchandiser should to go through the messages received from the buyer and reply on time. In many cases, merchandisers have to provide order status to the buyers. Also, merchandiser has to communicate with the people that are in-house, venders, contractors and job-workers. Only through the right communication can one meet deadline for the concerned orders.

Conclusion

Apart from the above mention procedures, merchandiser has to assign subordinates to help him in the order execution, and direct the procedures. He has to revise his knowledge from time-to-time to know current market trends. To record preferences for all the planned activities, use daily or time log systems.

The Merchandiser should find out exact reasons for time consumption. It is necessary to keep record of time value and keeping it safe, as it is going to be shared with concerned parties/buyers. It is certain that merchandising jobs need huge time planning.

Last but not least, KEEP YOUR EYES & EARS OPEN.

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An Exciting Career With Fashion Merchandising Programs

By Amy Wells

If you love fashion and design, and are considering a career or further education in the field, you may want to take a closer look at fashion merchandising. Fashion merchandising combines various aspects of design, marketing, sales, and even accounting skills. If you like moving at a fast pace with a variety of duties, there are many opportunities in the field of fashion merchandising that a college or education program can prepare you for.

A fashion merchandising education involves marketing fashion lines to retail stores, or even working with the stores themselves to market products directly to consumers. Fashion merchandising is a broad field, and can encompass positions such as fashion buying, where you will select merchandise for a retail store, and event coordination, such as fashion shows. Another growing field is visual merchandising, which involves designing the way the actual clothes and products are displayed, such as window displays and floor layouts.

While the fashion industry as a whole is very competitive, there is a lot of growth and opportunity in the merchandising field, because of the wide variety of assignments available. Although clothes may be manufactured all over the world, many of the sales related aspects take place right at home. This is also the type of career that may involved a variety of different job descriptions over the years, so if you crave change and excitement, it could be a good fit.

The best way to get started in fashion merchandising involves related education. A quality fashion merchandising program will be comprehensive and involve a large variety of courses. In addition to design, you will learn other key concepts, such as marketing and advertising. You will also learn how the fashion business works, and how clothing is manufactured and delivered to retail outlets.

There are a number of choices available when choosing a fashion merchandising education. Many colleges offer fashion merchandising as an associate degree, and some that even offer it as a bachelor's program. There are also many schools that embed fashion merchandising within a more traditional marketing degree, which will give you a broader course of study in basic business.

Other options include attending a strictly fashion design school, which will offer merchandising as one of their programs. In addition, you can also study online, as many of these schools will also offer an online or distance education program, as well.

Choosing which type of school to attend will depend partially on your educational goals. Are you looking to make a quick transition into the field, and want a career-oriented education, or do to have a strong basic business and marketing foundation? Most schools will offer internships in fashion, so you can have an opportunity to get your feet wet in the industry. Whatever type of school you choose, you can be assured that you will be learning a great deal about fashion and the fashion industry, and will be preparing for a fast-paced, quickly evolving career in fashion merchandising.

Finding The Right Dress For The Right Occasion

By Sarah Freeland

There are many different reasons why you would be looking for women’s dresses. The most common reason is that there is a special event that you want to look extra special for. If this is the case then you will need to create a plan of attack.

First you will need to decide on what type of dress that you want. To determine this you will need to know what types of women’s dresses are appropriate for your special event. If you are going to evening event then women’s cocktail dresses, a party dress, or a strapless dress are good choices. However, if you are going to a luncheon or informal event then a casual dress may be a better choice.

After you know what type of dress you want to buy your next step is to decide where you want to look for your dress. Today you have a lot of options to choose from. First you can go to a local retail chain store to browse through mass market pieces, however, if you are looking for an extra special dress then this shopping option probably won’t have what you are looking for. Your next option is to browse through the merchandise offered by local boutiques and special occasion clothing stores. If you are still unable to find a dress that you like then you can always try to find an online boutique that offers a dress that you like and that you can buy online.

To find the perfect dress you will want to make sure that you are looking in the right store and the right department. For example if you are in the market for a formal dress then you will probably need to look at the merchandise offered by designer clothing stores or in specialty boutiques. On the other hand if you are looking for a casual dress you will probably have the best luck finding one that you like by browsing through the merchandise offered by a retail store or offered by an online clothing store.

Cycle of Fashion Trend

By Gaurav Doshi

It's a fashionista's worst experience, even worse than looking oversize buddy, more degrading than wearing the same dress in another party -- it's the fear of symbolizing looking yesteryear fashion trend model.

Sometimes, fashion trends is considered as fads, are disreputably erratic. The fashion industry players are always on the quest to bring up something "NEW" & "HOT".

What is Fashion Trend?

Trend is the lead in which something new evolving, mostly leaning, penchant and line of growth. Hence, fashion trend is the latest evolvement of the fashion industry.

What is Fashion Trend Really About? Your closet can give the answer. If you don't want to look at it, well.well. this resembles that you are matching your steps with the latest fashion trends. What it's relation to fashion? People stick rigidly to the rules - okay, maybe not 'YOU'. You may be one of those who walk their own way and dress as they like. When it comes to the fashion industry, it's a continuously changing world. Even though some trends are considered as ludicrous and outdated, many other comebacks with innovative ideas.

Pace and Re-emergence of Latest Fashion Trends Now its new millennium, but most of fashion things like the pegged pant legs, jelly bracelets, and finally the denim jeans, seem to be returning in trends again. It comes out that the latest fashion trends are simply have nothing new at all. Almost everything re-emerged in fashion trend. You can virtually find torn jeans in every clothing retail store.

Who decides What's 'Hot' and 'Not' in Fashion Trends

There is no existence of specific group who declares what is hot fashion trend or not. In fact, the fashion designers and consumers who buys-out the fashion merchandise make their judgment and throw several opinions out there and observe what is grabbed.

Basically, 'WE', the consumer decide which merchandise is hot by making our minds what to purchase and wear.

The Fashion Trend Cycle

First part of the cycle, where the trend is highly hunted immediately after seeing that great fashionable hat, dress or shoe on the runway, red carpet or music video. Next, comes the emulation phase, where everyone wants a piece of the trend. Only big shots, celebrities and fashion industry players have approach to latest fashion right off the runway, which yet not showed up in retail stores.

During second phase, this newbie will appear in news papers, fashion magazines, TV and internet. At last, the trend will be soaked in the market, commonly at bit lower cost.

In the second phase new merchandise is available in bit expensive designer collections. It is only the third phase, where the merchandise is available to the mass market at affordable cost for most buyers.

The major part of over all mass will purchase it somewhere between second and third phase.

Before two or three decades it might have taken a some rears to make it from runway to mass market, however, nowadays producers have put the fashion cycle into rapid speed. Now, a hot trend often makes it appearance in low cost or discount retail store in as little as a few days or months.

In & Out of Fashion Trend

Reasonably priced fashionable clothing is a double-edged sword that make possible to buy fashionable looks at real-life budgets, at the same time leads to abolish the trend rapidly. However, when the market is completely saturated with a same monotonous trend it loses its appeal.

So how we can assume that how long a fashion trend will last? Let us find out:

Generally, most fashion trends last nearly one year, but some trends, usually the acceptable, last much longer. It is considered that normally fashion trends re-emerge nearly every twenty years. Hence, the minis skirts of the 80s are back in trends again.

The key to assume that how long a trend will last depends on from when you bought the collection. If you bought when the knock-off or discounts are going at retail store, then the count for the trend last not more one or two seasons. Fashion industry normally dumps together two seasons together, Spring and Summer, Fall and Winter, which provides you about six months to wear before it seems looks outdated.

In fact it is not specified that how long a fashion trend will last, you can put money on the just fads such as jeans, Uggs, hats etc... It doesn't signify that you might not get fun in purchasing them. They are the evergreen items you would like to purchase any time.

Purchasing power can keep a trend on oxygen. In some cases people love particular trends so much they wouldn't let it die.

The safeguard against rapidly changing fashion trends is to have a clothing line stocked with more traditional looks: T-shirts, jeans, and black dresses.

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