Gap, Pumpkin Patch Recalling Coats

The consumer product and safety commission announced recalls this week of coats made by both Gap and Pumpkin Patch. Approximately 23,000 Gap toggled coats were recalled after it was found that the toggle buttons could detatch and pose a choking hazzard to small children. The coats were sold in Gap, Gap Kids and Baby Gap between October 2008 and April 2009. Coats came in 4 colors (Rose, Pink, Blue and Mojave) and sold up to size 24 months.  Consumers are asked to take the coats to any Gap branded store for a full refund. Additionally, a 20% off coupon will be given for all returns prior to August 31st of this year.

As mentioned above, Pumpkin Patch is also recalling coats. The chain is recalling approximately 800 hooded raincoats in sizes 2 through 10 sold between July 2008 and February 2009.  The drawstring on the hood is believed to pose a strangulation danger to children, though no incidents have been reported. Consumers are asked to either remove the drawstring or contact Pumpkin Patch for a full refund. 

 

Pumpkin Patch Set to Loose Millions in US Market

First NZ Capital has announced they believe NZ brand Pumpkin Patch will under perform in US Markets this year. Pumpkin Patch has been aggressive in their attempt to become a power in the US retail market- opening 35 stores in the states. While the brand is still performing strongly in NZ with profits this year of about $62 Million, the US expansion is expected to loose $14 Million. 

Sarndra Urlich, and analyst with NZ Capital believes that one-third of the US stores will never see a profit. She has gone on the record to say that if Pumpkin Patch were to close just these stores, their losses could be cut by more than $10 Million. Her main concern cited was the timing of the expansion- one which coincided with recession in the US, and what Urlich referred to as the "depressed retail landscape in the US".

This all comes about the day after the New York Division of Budget has released a report that lays out their belief that the economy could be stable and recovering between July and September of this year. If this report holds water, then we must believe that the projected losses could be mitigated by a rebound in the market.

Still, Pumpkin Patch has some tough hurdles in the US market. It cannot be denied that Pumpkin Patch has not made a dent to their competition here in the states. Their marketing seems to be non-existent, their website is difficult to navigate, and their markdowns are...well, not that good. On rack of last season's clothes, you can often find marked down prices on par with what the other mall retailers are charging for new styles (full price). Undoubtedly, Pumpkin Patch has some cute styles and nice quality, but the prices make it impossible to compete.

Fashionmomcafe.com has researched the issue and found that New Zealand (the home of Pumpkin Patch) does not currently have a free trade agreement with the United States. Talks have gone on for months now with New Zealand seeking an agreement similar to that between the United States and Australia, but as of this writing, none has been signed. Opening up free trade between the countries could potentially poise Pumpkin Patch to become a major player here in the states. Why? Because  New Zealand has a free trade agreement with China, which the US does not. That means that Pumpkin Patch can buy fabric from China MUCH cheaper than US companies can. In the US, textiles from China are heavily taxed and triffid. If New Zealand gets free trade with the US, it is possible that Pumpkin Patch can buy their textiles at less cost and then import products here at less cost, resulting in lower overhead and the ability to give the US market the markdowns that make their competitors such strong performers. 

Given all the factors, we are definitely putting Pumpkin Patch on our list of companies to watch. This is really a make or break time for them in the US and we hope they can pull it off!

Happy shopping!

-The FMC Team

A Gaggle of Store Openings Announced

Silver Sands Outlet Mall in Sandestin, FL has annouced the first Gymboree Outlet in nothern Florida is set to open May 9th. The store is set to open near a new Restoration Hardware Clearance Center. 

A Gymboree retail store is also set to open at The Summit in Louisville, Ky this Summer. Few details are known other than it will located next to the Ann Taylor Loft. 

In Palm Springs, Ca. plans have been dramatically downsized for the El Paseo Village shopping center. The mall will now be one story instead of two and square footage will be cut by about 30,000 sq ft. Retailers are still on board for the Fall of 2010 opening- including Janie & Jack, Banana Republic and Lucky Brand Jeans.

New Crazy 8 To Open in Raleigh

Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, NC has announced that a new Crazy 8 store will be opening on the lower level (near Belk) sometime this Summer. The mall is also debuting a new Lego Store the final weekend of May. The Lego grand opening will include a Master Builder constructing an 8 ft. Yoda from Star Wars.

Source: The News & Observer

3 Women Walk Into a Gymbo Outlet...

Police in Ft. Myers, FL aren't laughing. While conducting a sting operation to investigate recent thefts at the Tanger Outlet Mall, Lee County Sheriffs observed 3 women in loose fitting clothing exit the Gymboree Outlet. The women headed to their car, appeared to unload and then re-entered the mall. 

When confrtoned by deputies, one of the suspects is quoted as saying "you got us". Each of the suspects were charged with three counts of larceny theft between $3,000 and $5,000.

The Ft. Myers News-Press has details http://www.news-press.com/article/20090424/CRIME/90424035/1003/ACC

If You're in Dallas Today...

You should head over to the opening day party for the new Children's Place flagship store at Park Lane. Park Lane is touted as a 33.5 acre, mixed-use development with more than 700,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space.

The Children's Place 20,000 square foot flagship store will open today to much fanfare including balloons and face painting for the kiddos. The Children's Place is also offering 40% off their already reduced Spring merchandise in all stores and online!

To discuss the Children's Place, store openings, sales and coupons, check in with the FMC forums located at http://www.fashionmomcafe.com/fmcforums

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

The Children's Place to Open Store in Troubled Alexandria Mall

In a leap of faith, The Children's Place has announced it will be opening a new store in the Alexandria Mall in in Alexandria, LA. While the mall has done well and recently opened a new JC Penney, it is managed by General Growth Properties which has voluntarilly filed for protection under Chapter 11 bankrupcy. 

Though companies affiliated with the Alexandria Mall are facing tough times, the mall continues to be one of the top performing centers in Louisiana. 

The Children's Place store is already under construction and set to open in time for back-to-school shopping. 

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

Gap Opening at Dundrum Town Centre

Dundrum Town Centre, Irelands largest shopping complex has announced this week that Gap is among 7 new retailers to join thier lineup. The new stores are expected to create more than 100 jobs. 

Gymboree and Gap to open Outlets in Sparks, NV

The Legends Outlet Center is set to Open June 18th in Sparks, NV. Gymboree and Gap are set to open stores among such Outlet staples as Carters, Skechers and Osh Kosh. Other retailers joining the center include Off 5th, Banana Republic, Jones New York, Best Buy and Target. 

The Legends at Sparks Marina is a $1.2 billion destination retail and entertainment center encompassing more than 1 million square feet along 140 acres at the Sparks Marina. Events to mark the grand opening include a Summer Concert Series, fashion show, celebrity appearances and fireworks.

Happy Shopping!

Janie & Jack Outfit Pics Have Been Uploaded

Tonight, we uploaded outfit images to the Janie & Jack preview galleries. The lines include Summer Sweet Tea, Daisy Swim, On The Pier and Deep Sea Swim. These are due online on Sunday, April 26th and in store on Monday, April 27th.

For more Janie and Jack news and discussions, please join our forum by following the "forums" link at the top of the page or going to http://www.fashionmomcafe.com/fmcforums

Info on Upcoming Janie & Jack Lines....

We've got the buzz on the names of the new lines coming out next Sunday, April 26th! The girl's line is called Summer Sweet Tea- boy's is called On The Pier. For swim lines, boys is Deep Sea Swim and girl's is named Daisy Swim!

FMC is also pleased to give you EXCLUSIVE info of what to expect later this year from Janie & Jack! In addition to the typical penguins (rumored to be layette) and Fair Isle, girl's lines will also see horses as well as a poodle line that includes rainboots, tights and possibly a beret! Girl's Halloween sweater is going to be a peachy-orange color.

Boys moms can look forward to another train line this winter as well as a duck line with a duck sweater and matching rainboots! Both boys and girl's can also look forward to the return of sleepwear this winter! 

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

FMC Uploads some 2004/2005 Girls J&J Lines!

In the first of MANY surprises to come this month, FMC has uploaded some of the most infamous Janie & Jack girl's lines including London Town and Set The Table. Check out the Girls Janie & Jack gallery as well as the Girls Layette Janie & Jack gallery for all the exciting new uploads!

And be sure to check back with FMC all this month as there is MUCH more to come!

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

New J&J SKUs are UP!

Earlier tonight, FMC posted upcoming Janie and Jack SKUs in the preview gallery! As we first reported, the girls line is the much anticipated pink whales! Check them out under the Janie & Jack tab. And to join the discussion on the FMC forum, click the "forum" button at the top of the page or go to http://www.fashionmomcafe.com/fmcforums

As always, Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

More new Janie & Jack SKUs

Some outfit pics and a few more regular SKUs have popped up and been added to the FMC Janie & Jack preview galleries. Of note: a new monkey button up shirt with embroidery and a layette cherry dress in the outfit pic that doesn't exist in the SKUs.

Also of note: the ammount of reverse views of boy's shorts that don't have front views. There is DEFINITELY more coming!

If you want specific help finding pictures or if you want to discuss the new SKUs, join our forums! Just click the "Forum" button at the top of this page or go to http://www.fashionmomcafe.com/fmcforums

Happy Shopping!
-The FMC Team