American Apparel store

American Apparel to sell stake to private equity firm (Drapers)
In a rush to finance a $16 million debt, American Apparel sells a 20% stake of the company to Lion Capital.

Jason Wu stays in focus amid Michelle Obama whir (The Canadian Press)
Even though he has received endless press following his Obama inaugural gown, Jason Wu is staying focused on building a business and establishing strong retail relationships.

America’s Fastest-Shrinking Stores (Forbes)
“For retailers, 2009 is a game of survival, and already more than a few haven’t made it,” reports Forbes.

Teen Retailers Close ‘Concept’ Stores to Focus on Main Brand (WSJ)
“Teen concepts (stores) are being pared as the recession prompts a harsh reappraisal of slicing the market into dozens of niches,” reports The Wall Street Journal.

Eliana, courtesy of American Apparel

Ten Stores Americans Can’t Give Up (Forbes)
American Apparel tops the list of stores Americans can’t live without.

NYFW: Commercial versus creative (Drapers)
In New York, it’s always a balancing act between commerce and creativity during fashion week.

ASOS launches kidswear (Drapers)
ASOS, the online retailer, has just launched a kidswear line.

Should Fashion Week Open to Consumers? (WWD)
A survey reveals that consumers would pay for fashion show tickets. (Subscription required)

American Apparel billboard on Sunset Blvd, courtesy of Deborah K

The Complicated World of American Apparel (WWD)
Amid one of the most dismal retail environments on record, American Apparel has posted a 3% profit.

New Info Shoppers (WSJ)
Over the past few years, a new class of strapped consumers has been poring over product spec sheets, third-party reviews and expert blog sites to find the best value. Hail the “new info shopper.”

Wave of Bankruptcy Filings Expected From Retailers in Wake of Holidays (WSJ)
With consumer confidence in the doldrums, retailers, “are expected to begin a wave of post-holiday bankruptcy filings, altering the landscape at malls and on main streets across the country.”

Gianfranco Ferre Mens to Debut in Milan (Fashionista)
Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, newly-appointed Gianfranco Ferre design heads, will unveil a menswear range on January 18th during Milan men’s fashion week.