Kendall Glazer

Independent designers presenting at New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 gained strong attention from retailers and buyers. U.S. fashion stores are increasingly sourcing smaller designer labels to attract customers seeking originality and craftsmanship rather than mass-produced clothing https://lnkd.in/ezWNZTeF

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The news of Saks Global's bankruptcy filing is a wake-up call for the retail industry. Just over a year ago, they acquired Neiman Marcus in a deal worth approximately $2.7 billion, hoping to create a new luxury department store giant. However, the debt burden from the highly leveraged acquisition quickly plunged the company into a liquidity crisis. ([NJBIZ][1]) For me, this has three lessons: 1️⃣ Scale does not equal competitiveness. Mergers and acquisitions can expand size, but if the profit model doesn't improve, the risks are actually greater. 2️⃣ Cash flow is always more important than the story. ven luxury retail brands cannot ignore cash flow and supply chain stability. 3️⃣ The retail industry is being reshaped. Online competition, direct-sales branding, and changing consumer preferences are all challenging the traditional department store model. Often, the strategy itself is not wrong. The problem lies in the timing, structure, and execution. [1]: https://lnkd.in/g6z99hge "Luxury retailer Saks files Chapter 11"

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💡 How do you turn a side gig in the Bronx into a franchise empowering the next generation of designers? Coming tomorrow (Nov 13) on the Emerging Franchise Brands Podcast 🎙️ Frank Fiume and guest co-host Kirk Bowyer talk with Kerri Quigley, founder of The Fashion Class Franchise, a NYC-based sewing and design school turned franchise. From teaching kids ages 2–18 to running two Manhattan studios, Kerri shares how she built a systemized, creative brand parents trust, and why it’s an ideal opportunity for former corporate pros seeking more purpose and flexibility.

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We recently announced a strategic realignment of our Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus Stores teams. With this move, all customer-facing functions for these brands, including Brand Partnerships & Buying, Merchandise Planning, Marketing, Digital, Commercial Analytics and Customer Insights, and now Store Experience will be part of the Saks Global Commercial organization, led by Emily Essner, President and Chief Commercial Officer. The structure will allow us to move quickly as an integrated team to capture opportunities to maximize growth and better serve our customers and partners as work to redefine luxury retail. With this change in structure, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mary McGreevy to Chief Stores Officer, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Reporting to Emily, Mary will be responsible for leading the strategy and performance of our store network, overseeing the in-store customer experience and driving innovation to deliver a luxury experience that is artfully curated for every customer. https://lnkd.in/ecmeH4N5

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Retail is changing, but the fundamentals haven't. I recently joined the NYSE Floor Talk at the ICR Conference to discuss the current state of the apparel industry and where Faherty is headed. In a world obsessed with "tech-first" retail, we’ve found success by being a lil old school. A few takeaways from the conversation: 1. In-Person Retail (wholesale + stores) is a superpower: It’s not just about distribution; it’s about brand discovery and building trust in-person. 2. The "Modern Comfort" Shift: Post-pandemic style isn't going back into a box. People want high-quality pieces that work for the city, the beach, and everywhere in between. 3. Team is Everything: As a former college athlete, I look at business through a coaching lens. Our success is a direct result of the incredible team we’ve built. Check out the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eppjpqCv

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Joseph Sarachek was recently featured on The Brian Lehrer Show, alongside Vanessa Friedman (Fashion Director + Chief Fashion Critic, The New York Times), discussing the Saks Global bankruptcy filing — what it means for shoppers and vendors, and what it signals about the state of retail. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/euE5aP8S #Bankruptcy #RetailNews #Saks #Vendors #CreditorsRights #Restructuring

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