Esteban Cortazar

Cortazar Leaves Ungaro (Vogue.com)
“Following a lengthy period of less than emphatic denials and weak shows of unity between Ungaro and the label’s ceo, Mounir Moufarrige, the decision has been taken to dissolve the relationship, WWD reports. It is expected to be formerly announced later today that the separation is by mutual agreement.”

Amazon to buy Zappos (Drapers)
“Amazon is set to buy US footwear website Zappos.com for around $927 million (£561.6m).”

Italian luxury consumption seen stable in summer (Forbes)
“Consumption of Italian luxury goods is seen stabilising in July and August from falls in the two previous months as the crisis sapped demand for jewellery, accessories and designer goods, an association said.”

Fashion Rio and the casual lifestyle (The Japan Times)
“While there are some bumps to get over, interest in Japan seems to be readily increasing for some in the Brazilian fashion industry.”

Takashimaya in Japan

Bank Sees Japan Retailers In ‘Unprecedented’ Downturn (WWD)
Deutsche Bank forecasts that three departments stores including Isetan and Takashimaya Japan “are heading into a prolonged and unprecedented sales downturn.”

Badgley Mischka to Lower Prices (WSJ)
With consumer confidence low, Badgley Mischka responds by lowering its prices.

The Latest in Retail Technology (WSJ)
New technologies such as scent machines are becoming more abundant in order to motivate shoppers to open their wallets.

Amazon Sales Up While Most Retailers Suffer (Seeking Alpha)
Amazon has posted strong sales with spending per customer up 17%.