Saturday, November 28, 2009






Working for Merle Norman and Beauty Queens Boutique of Cookeville, we are constantly coming up with new ideas to develop the Merle Norman brand as well as Beauty Queens Boutique name. Merle Norman's target market tends to be a slightly older generation than the high school and college student. For five years MN of Cookeville has sold prom and pageant gowns and two years selling wedding gowns, now branding the new name Beauty Queens Boutique is on the agenda. We believe that by creating a brand awareness of BQB to ladies all over TN that when it is time for the high school prom, pageant, or a social event, those ladies will shop our great lines of dresses and at the same time take a look at our make-up and see all the benefits Merle Norman can offer them. By coming in our store first they can get the perfect dress, and accessories, then finish off with a beautiful new look with our cosmetics. So by branding Beauty Queens Boutique efficiently in return the Merle Norman brand will have a broader target market and increased sales.
Three things that Merle Norman Cosmetics all over could practice to keep our planet "Green":

1. Recylcing old cosmetic containers by having customers bring in old cosmetic and skin care containers and give gifts or a free eye, lip, or cheek color by bringing in certain amount.

2. Reducing the use of paper products in the cosmetics packaging and shipping of all prodcuts.

3. Create more products containing mineral and beeswax products instead of toxic chemicals like petroleum derivatives.
*The Mailing List*

Merle Norman Cosmetics of Cookeville, TN recently have updated some things at the store to contribute to the environment. Instead of sending out so many coupons, and newletters via paper mail, a new web site and email account specifically for Merle Norman Cosmetics and the Beauty Queens Boutique part of their store has been created to promote the store and list updates and specials instead of sending out so many paper coupons and updates!




Merle Norman Cosmetics


Merle Norman Cosmetics is a franchise owned system and calls the franchisees Studio Owners. Therefore, each store has its own personal owner. The Chairman of the Board and President of the corporation is Jack Nethercutt. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California Merle Norman develops, manufactures, and distributes its full line of cosmetics and skin care. The cosmetics are then sold, througout 2,000 independently owned studios operated in the U.S., Canada, and
Mexico.









~New Ideas~

We continue to upgrade our assortments to appeal to the trade down consumer. We were pleased with the performance of our Red Label collection that was reintroduced this fall through our in-house design team to 30 doors chain wide. Based on this success, we will reintroduce Red Label in a small way to all doors beginning this spring by integrating the collection within our existing assortment.
This initiative will allow us to broaden our customer base and elevate our offering with a selection of higher quality, more fashion forward offerings. At the same time, we remain focused on our core customer by delivering great value and we remain cognizant of our opening price points and their appeal to this consumer. Red Label’s price points remain affordable, about 20% above our regular pricing which also makes this collection attainable for existing customers.-

(Taken from the New York and Company Q3 2009 Earnings Call Transcript )



By introducing Red Label in more stores nation wide, NY&C will be able to hit a larger market as well as keeping the same core customer who can also afford this new label. I also think if the company had some sort of a celebrity, other than Carson Kressley it would promote the clothing more. Having a woman spokesperson promotes the look, feel, and wear of the clothes simply becuase they are wearing it, not a man. Also, by having a familiar face such as Heidi Klum's new ads for Ann Taylor, or any other brands New York and Company could better promote the clothing, accessories, and all other items simply by having a womans point of view.



Giving Back

New York and Company being a well known women's apparel company could give back to the environment in many ways. The coupons canb be turned into email only ring codes needed and if coupons must be used then the company should recycle each coupon and reuse instead of killing so many trees by all the coupons and newsletters sent out! Secondly NY&C could take donations from customers of their unwanted New York and Company clothing to be donated to charity, and/or thrift stores to sell for cheaper prices for underprivileged families. Third, the company can donate all damaged returned, and items not sold to be recycled and used again instead of clogging up our landfills even more. Production of cotton as well as other textile fibers puts a strain on our environment. When we recycle we are getting to reuse these textiles instead of hurting our environment. Only 15% of U.S. clothes are recycled and if New York and Company practiced this the company could give back to the environment and help change the earth little by little.




1 lb. of clothes donated = ~ 3.6 lb. CO2
~ 6,000 lb. water
~ 0.3 lb. fertilizer
~ 0.2 oz. pesticides


Save the TREES


New York and Company is very involved with community and philanthropic work. However, I believe there are some issues concerning our environment that the company has not been practicing over the years. Things such as coupons, paper statements, boxes and wrapping paper items are shipped in, and did I mention COUPONS!! Yes coupons are great and must be continued however, NY&C distributes so many coupons are newslettetters the paper being used is just so wasted. Coupons are sent in email, and if customers simply have email on their phone they can present the ring codes to the coupons at the register and the discount can be applied. However, I understand not all customers have that. When being registered I believe each customer should only pick one route of coupons being presented to them, email or paper mail. If more customers chose email NY&C would not have to send out so many paper coupons and kill so many trees!!! If paper coupons are a must, NY&C should have a recycle program that keeps the coupons presented and then recylces them back over to help promote a safer environment by saving the trees!

New York & Co. Soars on Q4 Outlook

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- New York & Company(NWY Quote) narrowed its loss in the third quarter and announced that it foresees a return to profit by the end of the year, yet another sign of a rebound in women's apparel.

New York & Company Incorporated NWY
DOWNThe news sent shares soaring 14.9% to $4.31 in afternoon trading.
During the quarter, the
company recorded a loss of $6.3 million, or 11 cents a share, compared with a loss of $7.9 million, or 13 cents, in the year-ago period. Analysts expected a loss of 8 cents.
Sales dropped 8% to $227.9 million from $249 million, while same-store sales tumbled 8.4%.
"In October, we experienced the start of what we hope is a turnaround as we posted our strongest monthly
sales comparisons in over 12 months, and this momentum has continued into the first two weeks of November," Chief Executive Richard Crystal said in a statement.
Looking ahead
New York & Company said it expects to return to a profit in the fourth quarter and scale back promotions. 11/19/09

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10629104/1/new-york-co-soars-on-q4-outlook.html
New York and Company's Officers and Directors



Richard P. Crystal
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer


Sheamus G. Toal
Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President


Sandra Brooslin Viviano
Executive Vice President - Human Resources

Leslie Goldmann
Executive Vice President - Merchandising


Bodil M. Arlander
Director


Philip M. Carpenter III
Director


John D. Howard
Director

Richard L. Perkal
Director


David H. Edwab CPA
Director



New York and Company's Brand Headquarters is located in dowtown Manhattan and houses most of the company's major functions!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

If you love comfortable jeans, but still like the high fashion look then you must try a pair of New York and Company's boyfriend jeans! The jean comes in many colors of denim, and at such an attractive price who wouldn't want a pair of these jeans!! The premium jean offers a sexy silhoutte and yet still the most comfortable jean you will wear! Only $ 59.95! Check your email for frequent coupons sent by New York and Company for more great deals for these jeans.



Ladies you absolutely must try the best foundation around! Merle Norman's Lasting Foundation is by far the best foundation I have ever used. It has SPF 12 and last for 7 hours! Covering up all those imperfections we all think we have, Merle Norman's Lasting Foundation is truly heaven sent. This makeup is sweat proof and will not rub off on your clothes. It is perfect for year round weather not coming off in the summer heat, and not rubbing off on your favorite sweater when pulling it on. It is a full coverage makeup that makes your face look flawless! It contains Vitamin C and is oil free, so it is ideal for those with Normal/Oily skin.


Celebrity stylist and How to Look Good Naked host Carson Kressley is getting set to make over America with a tour that has him stopping off at New York & Company stores throughout the country to host runway shows and give style advice. PEOPLE spoke with Carson, who gave us a sneak peek at the top tips he’ll be letting fans in on. At the top of the list working with what you’ve got. “Nobody likes ten pounds of sugar in a five pound bag,” Carson jokes. So ignore what the size on the label says and choose items based on how they fit your shape. And while wearing dark colors may be an easy way to trim off inches, he warns against falling into a common trap: “Monochromatic dressing doesn’t equal all black,” he says. Instead, go head-to-toe in a tone that flatters your complexion, like charcoal, chocolate brown or plum. Finally, he explains, “A great outfit is as great as its accessories. They’re the salt and pepper to your wardrobe!” Carson recommends that you fill your closet with basics and then “change up the bag, the jewelry, your belt your shoes. You can get a multitude of looks out of a couple staple pieces of clothing.” Check out more from Carson in person when he kicks off his tour in N.Y.C. on October 20th. Or you can click over to to nyandcompany.com starting today to ask Carson a question online, watch videos and more.

Celebrity stylist and How to Look Good Naked host Carson Kressley is getting set to make over America with a tour that has him stopping off at New York & Company stores throughout the country to host runway shows and give style advice. PEOPLE spoke with Carson, who gave us a sneak peek at the top tips he’ll be letting fans in on. At the top of the list working with what you’ve got. “Nobody likes ten pounds of sugar in a five pound bag,” Carson jokes. So ignore what the size on the label says and choose items based on how they fit your shape. And while wearing dark colors may be an easy way to trim off inches, he warns against falling into a common trap: “Monochromatic dressing doesn’t equal all black,” he says. Instead, go head-to-toe in a tone that flatters your complexion, like charcoal, chocolate brown or plum. Finally, he explains, “A great outfit is as great as its accessories. They’re the salt and pepper to your wardrobe!” Carson recommends that you fill your closet with basics and then “change up the bag, the jewelry, your belt your shoes. You can get a multitude of looks out of a couple staple pieces of clothing.” Check out more from Carson in person when he kicks off his tour in N.Y.C. on October 20th. Or you can click over to to nyandcompany.com starting today to ask Carson a question online, watch videos and more.
When Carson Kressley first came to New York and Company as a spokesprson I was skeptical but obviously now he is doing great things with the company. Starting with "Fashions Big Night Out" and now making over women all over the nation at various New York and Company locations!!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Q.What is the prospect of Merle Norman cosmetic studios franchise in US?

Merle Norman cosmetic started its business in 1931. It was known for the “try before you buy” philosophy. It became immensely popular after they started giving free samples. The franchise started in 1989 only. It has its headquarters in Los Angeles and has more than 2,000 franchises across the US and Canada. This cosmetic studio develops, manufactures and distributes their own full line of skin care and cosmetics. The cosmetic industry is a billion dollar industry and ideal for women who want to start a career in business. These studios franchise gives great chance to progress in professional life.

The franchise opportunity for Merle Norman is something I would love to do! Working for Merle Norman of Cookeville, I have experienced all the great opportunities of Merle Norman. I strongly believe in their products and the franchise opportunity is a great way to earn money and have fun doing so!
It's a Classic
Of the many cosmetic companies doing business today, Merle Norman cosmetics is one of the best. This company was started by a woman to meet the needs of women. The products are of good quality with a long track record behind them. Pricing is mid range and a good value. If you compare the many companies selling cosmetics today, you will see that the quality of product and the prices vary wildly. Some products costing hundreds of dollars are no better than some in the twenty dollar range. Looking on line under cosmetics will give you a good cross view of what people say about all of the cosmetic companies.
Merle Norman cosmetics have thousands of loyal fans. Many have used these products all their adult lives and don't intend to change product lines any time soon. There is a long history behind this company. Any time a company can stay healthy in business for over 70 years, it is doing something right. In it's long history Merle Norman cosmetics has sold thousands of franchises to help people sell these cosmetics and have their own businesses. Having a Merle Norman studio is something to take pride in. These franchises have a strict set of rules to abide by, so the quality of product and service is the same wherever you go in this country and Canada.http://ezinearticles.com/?Merle-Norman-Cosmetics-Are-Classic&id=2609161


I so agree with this lady! Merle Norman products are classics and affordable! To read the whole article just click on the link and read how much this lady appreciates the Merle Norman brand. For years Merle Norman has assisted in making women beautiful and still carries on the original "try before you buy concept."

* UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Merle Norman Cosmetics, Los Angeles, CA, has opened its first studio in the UAE, its first market outside North America.
The new studio, which has an open sell environment that allows customers to see the entire product line at a glance, is in the Sharjah Mega Mall-
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-208056770.html


This is very exciting news for Merle Norman. The MN skin care and cosmetics are so great everyone worldwide should have the opportunity to experience them!

New York & Company Inc announced the appointment of Celia Rao Visconti to the position of Chief Marketing Officer. Ms. Visconti will have overall responsibility for creating and implementing an integrated brand marketing strategy for all aspects of the New York & Company and JasmineSola businesses. "Celia is a very talented marketing executive who will bring extensive experience, talent and creativity to the New York & Company and JasmineSola brands," said Richard P. Crystal, New York & Company's Chairman and CEO. "We are deeply focused on maximizing our market awareness, attracting new customers and building customer loyalty to drive sales growth, and Celia is the ideal executive to undertake these responsibilities." Ms. Visconti joins New York & Company from Andrew Marc Inc. where she was Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications. Prior to this, she was Senior Vice President, Marketing at Tommy Hilfiger, where she was responsible for building the brand on all levels--including the development of marketing strategies and media programs, overseeing the entire creative process and the development and implementation of strategic alliances. Ms. Visconti launched her career in retail at Giorgio Armani where she was the Director of Advertising for Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and AX/Armani Exchange. New York & Company Inc
This is a very smart business move for New York and Company. The brand image of this company has changed for the better over the years. I believe the target market has changed from when it used to be Jones New York. More in fashion items are available and a younger more hip market is what they are trying to reach. To have the best over marketing for New York and Company is a must to branch out and let consumers know the change of image that has occured.



Luciano Manganella spent 35 years transforming JasmineSola from a single boutique in Harvard Square into one of Boston's most fashionable chains. Its downfall, and now imminent closure, took less than 24 months.
more stories like this
"Jasmine was like a child to us," Manga- nella, 61, said in his first interview since the company collapsed. "When I go by the stores closing, I see tears."
Jasmine's demise began with an effort to rapidly expand the chain and line Manga- nella's pockets. In July 2005, he planned to merge with J. Jill, the Braintree women's retailer. But while Manganella was vacationing in Positano, Italy, his lawyer called with a better offer from retailer New York & Co. Days after returning to Boston, Manganella sold his 14 boutiques to New York & Co. for $30 million, hoping the apparel giant would turn Jasmine into a retail empire. Though Manganella knew little about his new corporate boss, he wanted to stay on as president of the Jasmine brand.
Less than a year later, New York & Co. fired Jasmine's founder over allegations of sexual harassment and tried to withhold $7 million it had promised him as part of the sale. A legal battle that cost Manganella and the company a total of $5 million ensued, while Jasmine shops foundered. Finally, New York & Co. last month said it would shutter the chain known for bringing designer brands such as Kate Spade and Juicy Couture into the region.
Manganella's experience is all too com mon for entrepreneurs who sell their companies and try to stay on. Even he quickly admits that after years of running his own show, he found it difficult to answer to a host of new bosses.
Still, the closures left him bitter. "Do not fire me and do not take my dream and destroy it," he said.
New York & Co. declined multiple requests for comment. http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2007/12/22/for_iconic_boutique_a_swift_unraveling/


I do feel sorry for this man, to work so so hard and have it all taken away from him. For one his business failed but then to know the company is firing him after he has tried to stay on from allegations is even worse! On the plus side maybe we will be seeing some great items from Jasmine and New York and Company will take and build this brands salience!




New York & Company Announces Earnings Release Date For 3rd Quarter Fiscal 2009 Results
Published Today
New York & Company, Inc. (NYSE:NWY), a specialty apparel chain with 592 stores open, today announced that the Company will release third quarter fiscal 2009 results before the market opens on Thursday, November 19, 2009. The Company will conduct a conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day to discuss its third quarter fiscal 2009 results. The call will be hosted by Richard P. Crystal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Sheamus Toal, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
http://www.fashionnewspaper.com/


Hopefully this brand will be around forever! This brand offers us great fashion for affordable prices and should be around for years to come!
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Clothing retailer New York & Co Inc (NWY.N) has sued J.C. Penney (JCP.N) and the department store's advertising agency over a new campaign it claims infringes a trademark and confuses shoppers.
In a complaint filed on Friday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, New York & Co seeks injunctive relief over J.C. Penney's use of the mark "NYC Style" in a new campaign.
http://www.reuters.com/article/companyNews/idUSN3034970520091030

So New York and Company is suing JcPenny because they stole their trademark of "NYC Style" however, the quesion is does New York and Company truly have a legal trademark on this phrase? New York and Company has spent over 6 million in advertising for the company with the particular phrase. It will be interesting to see how this one ends up!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Love the bubble hem!!


Some of my favorite dresses from Christians line on the Oprah show. The ivory satin silk organza wedding gown will be mine!!!!
Christian Siriano recently debuted some of his amazing dresses on Oprah. If you watched there was some great great great gowns all of which I would love to own! Christian is one of the youngest winners of Project Runway and auditioning with only $20 to his name, now I believe Christian has a little more than that in his pocket!


One of my favorite looks of Kristen when she is all dolled up! This was at the premiere of Twilight! Also a plus, my favorite man is in this picture, gosh this is a beautiful couple!!
OMG OMG OMG!!! This amazingly gorgeous trendsetting couple are about to debut on the cover of Harpars Bazaar!! I can't wait to look inside everyone should buy a copy!!


I am a huge Twilight fan and obviously Kristen Stewart fan! For those haters, saying she is on drugs and a B well get over it cuz her style is amazing! I love her "I don't give a crap" attitude and I believe she expresses that through her style. Her look is always very random, daring at times, and one of a kind, not to mention she is gorgeous. Yes, she occassionally may look like she is cracked out but o well she is still gorgeous and makes the pale vampire style look hot on and off the screen.





These are all the latest trends at NY&C as seen on All my Children the ABC soap opera.


New York and Company is a retailer of fashionable womens apparel accessories and beauty. With many collections they have one for everyone with many different taste in style. Great prices are also another great thing about NY&C. You can have the latest New York styles for a affordable price.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

My friend Blair and I working at Merle Norman Cosmetics in Cookeville, TN. Merle Norman cosmetics in Cookeville also is Beauty Queens Boutique! BQB offers extensive lines of Prom, Pageant, and Bridal along with Tuxedos, Accessories, and Spanx! Offering of course great makeovers with Merle Norman cosmetics you can come in and have your special occassion dress, makeover, and tons of experienced professionals to assist you with all your special needs.


Merle Normans new Winter Velvet 2009 cosmetic colors. Consist of :BERRIES
LUXIVA® Lasting Eyecolor in Amethyst* (new) pictured aboveMerle Norman Party Eyes* (new) in Berry Bubbly pictured above
LUXIVA® Cream-to-Powder Blush (new) in Pink Cashmere, Nouveau Rose, Pink Organza, Velvet Mauve and Mauve Silk LUXIVA® Creamy Lipcolor in Blackberry
TAWNIES
LUXIVA Lasting Eyecolor in Teal* (new) pictured above and
ColaMerle Norman Party Eyes* (new) in Golden Espresso LUXIVA Cream-to-Powder Blush (new) in Bare Mocha, Spice Chiffon and Satin ApricotLip Pencil Plus in Rich BurgundyMoist Lip Color in Gold Leaf

Merle Norman cosmetics began in the late 1920's when a ambitious woman named Merle Nethercutt Norman began sharing skin products from her own creation with family and friends. Merle's famous "Try before you buy," concept is still used in franchises all over the U.S. It is a franchise system but owners are generally called "studio owners." Merle Norman truly helps women look and feel great about themselves with their extensive skin care lines, makeup, and facial services.