Shop Talk
Retailers, consumers and prices
Walk like a superhero
Ever want a pair of shoes to make you feel like a like a superhero? Next year, your dream could come true.
Marvel Entertainment, home to iconic characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men, has formed an alliance with Brown Shoe, owner of brands like Naturalizer, Dr. Scholl’s and Buster Brown, to launch footwear that features characters from Marvel’s upcoming films like “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America” and “The Avengers.”
The first collection will hit stores in spring 2010, with the release of “Iron Man 2”– starring Robert Downey Jr and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Brown Shoe, which also operates Famous Footwear stores, will make and sell a wide array of footwear under the licensing deal and products will range from athletic shoes to beach sandals.
Marvel Entertainment’s ”Iron Man” was a blockbuster, earning $580 million worldwide after its release last summer. ”Thor” and “The First Avenger: Captain America” are slated for 2011 releases, followed by the “Avengers” sequel in 2012.
(Photo: Reuters\Mike Blake)
Check Out Line: Consumers seek basics; retailers seek mergers
Check out a busy day for retailers as earnings — or losses – poured in from BJ’s Wholesale, Talbots, Charming Shoppes and Brown Shoe.
The “flight to necessities” by the U.S. consumer was on display as BJ’s — which sells food and fuel — posted a 26 percent jump in quarterly profit.
But for businesses steeped in discrection, the quarter was no cakewalk. Talbots posted sharply lower quarterly net profit; Charming Shoppes reported a quarterly loss and Brown Shoe posted a lower first-quarter profit.
With the U.S. environment a tough one to navigate, retailers are looking to add or subtract businesses to put themselves in a better position.
Spectrum Brands announced plans to sell its global pet supply business to a subsidiary of Salton Inc; the Wall Street Journal reported that Barnes and Noble Inc is looking into a possible bid for competitor Borders Group; and Dutch office supplier Corporate Express is seeking to buy French rival Lyreco for 1.4 billion euros ($2.2 billion), as it fends off a hostile bid from U.S. rival Staples.
(Photos: Reuters)
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