6. Department Store
Bergdorf Goodman Men's
745 Fifth Avenue, New York City
Because, from the Charvet and Loro Piana ministores on the first floor to the Michael Bastian and Thom Browne alcoves on the third, it offers the best of the best under one manageably large roof. In a world where everything is labeled luxury, this place is the real deal.
See also: The high-low mix at the latest Barneys satellite in Dallas and the more traditional stable at Wilkes Bashford in San Francisco.
7. Chain Store
Uniqlo
546 Broadway, New York City
Because the clothes are contemporary (but not too contemporary) and the staff is helpful (but not too helpful). And though there's but one lonely Uniqlo in the U. S. right now, they've got plans to bring one of their immaculately designed stores to a city near you.
See also: The new and improved denim and khaki at the Gap and the racks of designer wear at Century 21.
8. Tailoring
Brooks Brothers
346 Madison Avenue, New York City
Because it's the oldest branch of a serious brand and its tailors take tradition seriously. They are not, however, slaves to it: They also offer digital tailoring, a process whereby a man's body is scanned by a computer, and on the top floor there's a pool table and a TV for your viewing pleasure.
See also: The stellar lineup of European and American designers at Syd Jerome in Chicago and the old-school charms of Oxxford in New York City.
9. Vintage
Bobby from Boston
19 Thayer Street, Boston
Because Bobby, the owner, searches the globe for preworn Savile Row suits and classic American work wear and restores them to mint condition. And because he does it better than anyone else.
See also: The offerings at Re-Runs in Kansas City, Missouri, and American Rag in Los Angeles.
10. All-American
J. Press
262 York Street, New Haven, Connecticut
Because when Jacob Press set up shop on the Yale campus back in 1902, he believed a man could never own too many three-button sack suits, button-down shirts, and repp ties. It's still the high temple of conservative American style, and it is good.
See also: L. L. Bean's flagship store in Freeport, Maine, and the classic tailoring of Paul Stuart in Chicago.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
10 best places for men to shop in America [1-5]
1. Outdoor Wear
Kittery Trading Post
301 U. S. Route 1, Kittery, Maine
Because since opening seventy-one years ago as a trading post where men could swap beaver pelts for buckshot, it's grown to carry more than 1,500 brands. From golden oldies like Woolrich to the latest from Patagonia and the North Face, it's got whatever you're looking for.
See also: The luxurious safari gear at J. L. Powell in Three Oaks, Michigan and the rock-solid outdoor wear at C. C. Filson in Seattle.
2. Specialty
Jake
939 Rush Street, Chicago
Because in a city as big as Chicago, it took two guys with great taste (Jim Wetzel and Lance Lawson) to boil down the best contemporary men's wear to one compact space. Jake proves that it's not the size of the store that counts — it's the selection.
See also: The curated stacks at Maxfield in Los Angeles and the latest from emerging designers at Odin in New York.
3. Single Designer
John Varvatos
315 Bowery, New York City
Because this space, formerly home to CBGBs, has become one man's celebration of rock 'n' roll style, and in addition to his own designs, Varvatos sells vintage T-shirts and vinyl records at punk-friendly prices. The store gives his clothes context and meaning, and vice versa.
See also: The witty stylings at Paul Smith in Los Angeles and the rugged designs at Rogues Gallery in Portland, Maine.
4. Shoes
Berluti
971 Madison Avenue, New York City
Because it offers bespoke, made-to-measure, and ready-to-wear shoes with patinations, perforations, and tattoos — yes, tattoos — that you won't find anywhere else. And because of Bweela Steptoe, the lovely, felicitously named in-store polisher who can change the shading of your shoes before your very eyes.
See also: The well-edited selection of brands at Leather Soul in Honolulu and the righteous, handcrafted styles of J. M. Weston in New York.
5. Shirts and Ties
Ascot Chang
9551 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
Because its service and selection epitomize the quality-is-everything ethos that makes every customer feel like a king. Whether you're a bespoke guy (4,500 fabric choices) or a ready-to-wear guy (dozens of options in the store alone), it has a shirt for you.
See also: The edgier fits at Seize sur Vingt in New York and the British flair of Turnbull & Asser in Los Angeles.
Kittery Trading Post
301 U. S. Route 1, Kittery, Maine
Because since opening seventy-one years ago as a trading post where men could swap beaver pelts for buckshot, it's grown to carry more than 1,500 brands. From golden oldies like Woolrich to the latest from Patagonia and the North Face, it's got whatever you're looking for.
See also: The luxurious safari gear at J. L. Powell in Three Oaks, Michigan and the rock-solid outdoor wear at C. C. Filson in Seattle.
2. Specialty
Jake
939 Rush Street, Chicago
Because in a city as big as Chicago, it took two guys with great taste (Jim Wetzel and Lance Lawson) to boil down the best contemporary men's wear to one compact space. Jake proves that it's not the size of the store that counts — it's the selection.
See also: The curated stacks at Maxfield in Los Angeles and the latest from emerging designers at Odin in New York.
3. Single Designer
John Varvatos
315 Bowery, New York City
Because this space, formerly home to CBGBs, has become one man's celebration of rock 'n' roll style, and in addition to his own designs, Varvatos sells vintage T-shirts and vinyl records at punk-friendly prices. The store gives his clothes context and meaning, and vice versa.
See also: The witty stylings at Paul Smith in Los Angeles and the rugged designs at Rogues Gallery in Portland, Maine.
4. Shoes
Berluti
971 Madison Avenue, New York City
Because it offers bespoke, made-to-measure, and ready-to-wear shoes with patinations, perforations, and tattoos — yes, tattoos — that you won't find anywhere else. And because of Bweela Steptoe, the lovely, felicitously named in-store polisher who can change the shading of your shoes before your very eyes.
See also: The well-edited selection of brands at Leather Soul in Honolulu and the righteous, handcrafted styles of J. M. Weston in New York.
5. Shirts and Ties
Ascot Chang
9551 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
Because its service and selection epitomize the quality-is-everything ethos that makes every customer feel like a king. Whether you're a bespoke guy (4,500 fabric choices) or a ready-to-wear guy (dozens of options in the store alone), it has a shirt for you.
See also: The edgier fits at Seize sur Vingt in New York and the British flair of Turnbull & Asser in Los Angeles.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Are dirt-cheap prices here to stay?
Flat TVs are marked, move, and flights between the coasts have a neighbor below $ 120. Forget the cell phone accounts, prepaid expenses, as conscious consumers scramble for cheaper fares.
For companies trying to persuade consumers to spend, profit decline severely. But even more to worry looms: What happens if prices become the norm?
Go to the Americans' attitudes towards consumption and the economy could mean a loss of pricing power for companies, which remain long after the recession ends. "It's much easier to descend than the price they get," said Eric Almquist, a global leader in consumer awareness and to Bain
Consumers reluctant to spend on discretionary items such as holidays, restaurant meals and clothing. Where they spend, they expect big deal, and are willing to spend time and effort to find them. This shift is aiding in the Internet, which increases the competition among retailers in part by providing consumers the information they need to find the lowest prices.
Technology has changed the retail dynamic in obvious ways, especially with regard to things like TVs and personal computers. The average price of PCs fell 14.3% in the fourth quarter of 2008, but down in the market competition, as Acer has challenged companies to low-cost netbook PC.
Even Apple, long the envy of his rivals for fat profits, have now been forced to adjust their business models. Prices for his IMAC computers and media players, IPod is now over, but sales are still declining. Sales of both iMacs and iPods dropped 16% in February, according to NPD Group, a provider of marketing research.
"This industry, which, basically, people have been trained to expect the price will come down", Almquist said.
Manufacturers of electronics, also squeezed the fact that they can charge on the decline. Global television goods, for example, dropped from 5% in the fourth quarter, to 57 million units, according to market researcher Display Source. Prices for high-definition TVs come down, even as they capture a large share of the total market, which shows that even the most technically advanced products could become commodity items.
Brand differentiation profits, and will build a more tightly around intangible assets. Favorable prices contributed to Amazon.com 'S recent financial strength, but also in retail trade also benefits from the stellar customer reviews.
Innovation can also help to fatten profits. Dell is looked forward to his new $ 2000 Adamo laptop, which comes on the market on Thursday. At 14.6mm thick PC promoted as thinner than Apple MacBook Air.
Nevertheless, little evidence that prices in many industries will regain their former weight after the recession ends.
For companies trying to persuade consumers to spend, profit decline severely. But even more to worry looms: What happens if prices become the norm?
Go to the Americans' attitudes towards consumption and the economy could mean a loss of pricing power for companies, which remain long after the recession ends. "It's much easier to descend than the price they get," said Eric Almquist, a global leader in consumer awareness and to Bain
Consumers reluctant to spend on discretionary items such as holidays, restaurant meals and clothing. Where they spend, they expect big deal, and are willing to spend time and effort to find them. This shift is aiding in the Internet, which increases the competition among retailers in part by providing consumers the information they need to find the lowest prices.
Technology has changed the retail dynamic in obvious ways, especially with regard to things like TVs and personal computers. The average price of PCs fell 14.3% in the fourth quarter of 2008, but down in the market competition, as Acer has challenged companies to low-cost netbook PC.
Even Apple, long the envy of his rivals for fat profits, have now been forced to adjust their business models. Prices for his IMAC computers and media players, IPod is now over, but sales are still declining. Sales of both iMacs and iPods dropped 16% in February, according to NPD Group, a provider of marketing research.
"This industry, which, basically, people have been trained to expect the price will come down", Almquist said.
Manufacturers of electronics, also squeezed the fact that they can charge on the decline. Global television goods, for example, dropped from 5% in the fourth quarter, to 57 million units, according to market researcher Display Source. Prices for high-definition TVs come down, even as they capture a large share of the total market, which shows that even the most technically advanced products could become commodity items.
Brand differentiation profits, and will build a more tightly around intangible assets. Favorable prices contributed to Amazon.com 'S recent financial strength, but also in retail trade also benefits from the stellar customer reviews.
Innovation can also help to fatten profits. Dell is looked forward to his new $ 2000 Adamo laptop, which comes on the market on Thursday. At 14.6mm thick PC promoted as thinner than Apple MacBook Air.
Nevertheless, little evidence that prices in many industries will regain their former weight after the recession ends.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
8 tips for great thrift-shop scores - (continued: tips for maximize your savings)
Here are eight ways to maximize your savings store exits:
Keep a list of items you and your children need and next time to give a gift.
Compile a list of stores in your area by using online guides, such as TheThriftShopper.com ConsignmentShops.com and for high-end items.
Come with a routine. Land a few shops in your area and search in each of 10 to 15 minutes a few times a month. Good things, gurus say savings should skip immediately to you. If not, go ahead.
Learn each store's pricing policy. In many shops, women in the lead is $ 4.50, if they came from the target or Neiman Marcus. At these stores, is really to shop for quality.
Try hitting the sales end Saturday afternoon. This is typically the day of many gifts get new ones, said Turosak, savings, and many stores offer 50% discount on merchandise in the day.
If you want the best prices on clothes, play the waiting game. Most thrift stores, such as the mark of good things over there they were. In Los Angeles' Out of the Closet chain, for example, items that were 50% discount on their fourth week of the bank down to a meager $ 1.
Try it. Clothing store savings has often been because it fell in the dryer. Clothes that do not correspond to not negotiate. Carefully check clothing for rips, stains, missing buttons and other defects. Do not buy anything that is not in excellent condition.
Above all, do not buy something you do not need just because it is cheap. It is tempting when the fondue pot is only $ 2.99. But do you really need to buy something you go back a year later? "My rule is if I can not live without it, I will not do," said Gold.
Keep a list of items you and your children need and next time to give a gift.
Compile a list of stores in your area by using online guides, such as TheThriftShopper.com ConsignmentShops.com and for high-end items.
Come with a routine. Land a few shops in your area and search in each of 10 to 15 minutes a few times a month. Good things, gurus say savings should skip immediately to you. If not, go ahead.
Learn each store's pricing policy. In many shops, women in the lead is $ 4.50, if they came from the target or Neiman Marcus. At these stores, is really to shop for quality.
Try hitting the sales end Saturday afternoon. This is typically the day of many gifts get new ones, said Turosak, savings, and many stores offer 50% discount on merchandise in the day.
If you want the best prices on clothes, play the waiting game. Most thrift stores, such as the mark of good things over there they were. In Los Angeles' Out of the Closet chain, for example, items that were 50% discount on their fourth week of the bank down to a meager $ 1.
Try it. Clothing store savings has often been because it fell in the dryer. Clothes that do not correspond to not negotiate. Carefully check clothing for rips, stains, missing buttons and other defects. Do not buy anything that is not in excellent condition.
Above all, do not buy something you do not need just because it is cheap. It is tempting when the fondue pot is only $ 2.99. But do you really need to buy something you go back a year later? "My rule is if I can not live without it, I will not do," said Gold.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
8 tips for great thrift-shop scores - (continued)
High-dollar items reduced price tags
In addition to clothing, another store of savings best buys accessories such as silk ties and women's hats and handbags. An outing to a local Goodwill in Glendale, California, gave Louis Vuitton bags in fairly good condition for $ 24.99, instead of $ 790 sold a similar one here. (Of course, you'll need to keep your attention radar buyer-up, there is no guarantee that you are not buying a knockoff.)
Hardcover books, even fairly recent success can be found for about $ 2 or less at many stores. You can find coffee replacement carafes, frameworks and platforms for entertainment.
The quality of solid wood furniture can also be found for cents on the dollar, like a pair of Henredon libraries or found in a local store for $ 40 savings. "You can not find a library Henredon for less than $ 700 (new)," he said.
And one of the biggest slam-dunks for men and women formalwear, like dresses or tuxedos occasion.
Turosak her husband bought a classic Givenchy tux to a thrift store for $ 8.99 and $ 4.50 Jos A. Bank wool generally agree that retail over $ 200, even in a liquidation.
Of course, things are going faster. And as the economy deteriorated, donations have dropped in many charities. More people are trying to use the castoffs to earn some more money on sending or Craigslist, charities say.
The game plan
But for now, most of the savings-store operators say they have enough stock to fill their shelves and holding a nation hungry for bargains.
In addition to clothing, another store of savings best buys accessories such as silk ties and women's hats and handbags. An outing to a local Goodwill in Glendale, California, gave Louis Vuitton bags in fairly good condition for $ 24.99, instead of $ 790 sold a similar one here. (Of course, you'll need to keep your attention radar buyer-up, there is no guarantee that you are not buying a knockoff.)
Hardcover books, even fairly recent success can be found for about $ 2 or less at many stores. You can find coffee replacement carafes, frameworks and platforms for entertainment.
The quality of solid wood furniture can also be found for cents on the dollar, like a pair of Henredon libraries or found in a local store for $ 40 savings. "You can not find a library Henredon for less than $ 700 (new)," he said.
And one of the biggest slam-dunks for men and women formalwear, like dresses or tuxedos occasion.
Turosak her husband bought a classic Givenchy tux to a thrift store for $ 8.99 and $ 4.50 Jos A. Bank wool generally agree that retail over $ 200, even in a liquidation.
Of course, things are going faster. And as the economy deteriorated, donations have dropped in many charities. More people are trying to use the castoffs to earn some more money on sending or Craigslist, charities say.
The game plan
But for now, most of the savings-store operators say they have enough stock to fill their shelves and holding a nation hungry for bargains.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
8 tips for great thrift-shop scores - (first)
There is a bright spot in the retail economy, but you will find in your mall next to Macy's or Banana Republic.
Thrift and consignment stores are a great back as the economy turns sour. Hi Army of savings stores average sales increased by 10% in January, and sales have increased by over 50% in areas most affected economically, markets, spokeswoman Melissa Temme said.
"In many areas we are seeing these increases, because people are trying to make ends meet," she says.
The National Association of Resale Thrift stores & 'recent survey of 182 members found that most have seen an increase in sales last fall - an average of 35% - roughly the same time, many major retailers have double-digit declines.
Lead to boom in the nation and savings estimated 25,000 resale shops are big jumps in demand for clothing, especially work clothes such as dress shirts, suits and skirts, said Lauren Lawson, a spokesman Goodwill Industries International.
Charity shops, private stores
There are two types of stores selling goods for charity shops such as good, Army and Hi church and small hospital shops, and for-profit resale shops.
The former are stored with the contributions of clothing, furniture, appliances and other items to sell to fund charitable initiatives such as vocational training, disaster and rehabilitation operations. Private resale clothing stores and take the lot of furniture to individuals and divide the profits once the items sell.
Both can be good sources of affordable, but savings-shopping experts the best deals you can find shops, to charity, who do not pay for their inventory.
"Their interest is the massive displacement of volume, not necessarily the highest price possible for each point," says Amy Hardin Turosak blogger, also known as "Shopping Golightly, who writes the blog Thrifty Chicks.
New to the former
This low overhead can mean good deals on all sorts of clothing, household items and furniture, as long as you're willing to keep an open mind, "says Michael Gold, co-founder of TheThriftShopper.com, an online guide for stores around the country.
Heather Stricklin, a Los Angeles stay-at-home mother and avid thrifter, recently picked up a couple of pairs of new J Brand jeans for $8 recently at her local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. These jeans -- manufacturer samples -- were identical to those regularly sold for as much as $200 or more at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Stricklin also found some new $1.99 American Apparel T-shirts with embroidered felt designs that she has used to outfit her own kids and to give as gifts. At a boutique these items cost $20 to $30 apiece. "I just love finding a bargain," she says. "I really feel like I'm getting away with something."
A $4 bracelet that Turosak found at her local charity shop that was still in its original packaging from Anthropologie turned out to be priced at $98 when she called the retailer.
Thrift and consignment stores are a great back as the economy turns sour. Hi Army of savings stores average sales increased by 10% in January, and sales have increased by over 50% in areas most affected economically, markets, spokeswoman Melissa Temme said.
"In many areas we are seeing these increases, because people are trying to make ends meet," she says.
The National Association of Resale Thrift stores & 'recent survey of 182 members found that most have seen an increase in sales last fall - an average of 35% - roughly the same time, many major retailers have double-digit declines.
Lead to boom in the nation and savings estimated 25,000 resale shops are big jumps in demand for clothing, especially work clothes such as dress shirts, suits and skirts, said Lauren Lawson, a spokesman Goodwill Industries International.
Charity shops, private stores
There are two types of stores selling goods for charity shops such as good, Army and Hi church and small hospital shops, and for-profit resale shops.
The former are stored with the contributions of clothing, furniture, appliances and other items to sell to fund charitable initiatives such as vocational training, disaster and rehabilitation operations. Private resale clothing stores and take the lot of furniture to individuals and divide the profits once the items sell.
Both can be good sources of affordable, but savings-shopping experts the best deals you can find shops, to charity, who do not pay for their inventory.
"Their interest is the massive displacement of volume, not necessarily the highest price possible for each point," says Amy Hardin Turosak blogger, also known as "Shopping Golightly, who writes the blog Thrifty Chicks.
New to the former
This low overhead can mean good deals on all sorts of clothing, household items and furniture, as long as you're willing to keep an open mind, "says Michael Gold, co-founder of TheThriftShopper.com, an online guide for stores around the country.
Heather Stricklin, a Los Angeles stay-at-home mother and avid thrifter, recently picked up a couple of pairs of new J Brand jeans for $8 recently at her local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. These jeans -- manufacturer samples -- were identical to those regularly sold for as much as $200 or more at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Stricklin also found some new $1.99 American Apparel T-shirts with embroidered felt designs that she has used to outfit her own kids and to give as gifts. At a boutique these items cost $20 to $30 apiece. "I just love finding a bargain," she says. "I really feel like I'm getting away with something."
A $4 bracelet that Turosak found at her local charity shop that was still in its original packaging from Anthropologie turned out to be priced at $98 when she called the retailer.
Monday, February 23, 2009
A Tipping Point in the Plasma Era
The end of the line Pioneer Kuro TV was a real tipping point in the television industry, preceded by a long gestation dynamic forces. The recession and LCDs Plasma topple for good, and the slope is quite steep, and fast.
Last week, Pioneer announced the killing of his critically acclaimed television companies in March 2010 and will focus on the car and the audio / visual systems. It was a dramatic fall for a company that a year ago had CES buzz with its new plasma TV, the so-called "Ultimate Black" Kuro.
The Kuro of technology was impressive, as it reduces the emission of light in black areas of the screen to such a degree that, at its maximum brightness, the contrast ratio is "almost indefinitely." The result is a plasma screen with the most dynamic and colorful images yet.
But even at the peak of the hype, the problems in the plasma industry have arisen.
Plasmas were at their most popular from 2004 to 2006, a period which saw a doubling of rear-projection TVs in the top large-format TV. But they had great difficulty to compensate for their lower level of average prices of sales volumes. The spectrum of LCD screens has also prompted many customers to postpone a purchase. In Février'08, shortly after the recession had officially taken hold, premium quality pioneer seems disconnected from reality. Moreover, LCDs are typical along the sports field of plasma screens larger, more contrast ratios, thinner and cheaper sets. LCD picture quality still failed to reach the levels of plasma, but for the average consumer, the difference is more evident.
Fast forward to early 2009, LCDs and plasmas have been outselling-8-1 on a global scale, and the domination of the best selling lists on Amazon.com.
Pioneer has attempted a final partnership with Panasonic to create a version of its plasma TVs, contributing its "secret sauce" to keep the Kuro tech runs, but that effort seems to be more.
The collapse of demand already consequences: the estimated loss of $ 1.41 billion in 2008-09 (after a loss of $ 203 million in 2007-08) and a decrease of nearly 50 percent of operating revenue has been directed to the 10,000 job cuts and the closure of U.S., UK and Japan facilities. But Pioneer is not the only TV manufacturer suffering. They are all taken on the chin, regardless of the type of display.
Both Hitachi andVizio had to stop the bleeding Formwork plasmas to focus on LCDs. And not even in general the period of flushing vacation from television land Financial Security: Sony, Panasonic, LG and all posted lower quarterly profits.
Component suppliers were also unable to escape the pain. As indicated in recent Om, Corning screen manufacturer posted fourth quarter 2008 revenues of $ 1.1 billion and has yet to let go of 3,500 jobs.
Pioneer has decided to end its production of plasma is more complicated. He bought NEC plasma business in 2004, used as an OEM for its glass, but has recently been forced to shutter the unit. Now, the only manufacturers of plasma stand are Panasonic, LG and Samsung, all of which make their own components.
Panasonic is well positioned to benefit from the death of Kuro. Most engineers Pioneer Kuro came with changed sides and are now working for Panasonic. In addition, recent demonstrations have shown that Panasonic plasmas are almost Kuro quality. Already in possession of the largest market share of plasma in the world (more than 35 per cent), the company will be able to build a diversified product line plasma televisions using a screen type of premium calls a niche that still wants them. Add to this the fact that he derives income from the sale of its glass to other companies, including JVC and Fujitsu, and it seems that it will be able to stay afloat plasma more than any other company. Panasonic will inherit the burden of the difficulty of the economy and the LCD screen challenge, but once the plasma is no longer economically feasible, its own LCD screens will probably be made in the image quality. In fact, the ultimate black contrast technology is already close to LCD. So it's only a matter of years (or less) before finally dying plasmas.
As for Pioneer, all is not lost. Representatives say that plasma TVs are only 14 percent of its business worldwide, and patents for technology Kuro provide a benefit for a while. But any positive bittersweet. The legacy of Kuro TV that will be another best-in-class technology that has been humbled by the strength of the economy and competitive market.
Last week, Pioneer announced the killing of his critically acclaimed television companies in March 2010 and will focus on the car and the audio / visual systems. It was a dramatic fall for a company that a year ago had CES buzz with its new plasma TV, the so-called "Ultimate Black" Kuro.
The Kuro of technology was impressive, as it reduces the emission of light in black areas of the screen to such a degree that, at its maximum brightness, the contrast ratio is "almost indefinitely." The result is a plasma screen with the most dynamic and colorful images yet.
But even at the peak of the hype, the problems in the plasma industry have arisen.
Plasmas were at their most popular from 2004 to 2006, a period which saw a doubling of rear-projection TVs in the top large-format TV. But they had great difficulty to compensate for their lower level of average prices of sales volumes. The spectrum of LCD screens has also prompted many customers to postpone a purchase. In Février'08, shortly after the recession had officially taken hold, premium quality pioneer seems disconnected from reality. Moreover, LCDs are typical along the sports field of plasma screens larger, more contrast ratios, thinner and cheaper sets. LCD picture quality still failed to reach the levels of plasma, but for the average consumer, the difference is more evident.
Fast forward to early 2009, LCDs and plasmas have been outselling-8-1 on a global scale, and the domination of the best selling lists on Amazon.com.
Pioneer has attempted a final partnership with Panasonic to create a version of its plasma TVs, contributing its "secret sauce" to keep the Kuro tech runs, but that effort seems to be more.
The collapse of demand already consequences: the estimated loss of $ 1.41 billion in 2008-09 (after a loss of $ 203 million in 2007-08) and a decrease of nearly 50 percent of operating revenue has been directed to the 10,000 job cuts and the closure of U.S., UK and Japan facilities. But Pioneer is not the only TV manufacturer suffering. They are all taken on the chin, regardless of the type of display.
Both Hitachi andVizio had to stop the bleeding Formwork plasmas to focus on LCDs. And not even in general the period of flushing vacation from television land Financial Security: Sony, Panasonic, LG and all posted lower quarterly profits.
Component suppliers were also unable to escape the pain. As indicated in recent Om, Corning screen manufacturer posted fourth quarter 2008 revenues of $ 1.1 billion and has yet to let go of 3,500 jobs.
Pioneer has decided to end its production of plasma is more complicated. He bought NEC plasma business in 2004, used as an OEM for its glass, but has recently been forced to shutter the unit. Now, the only manufacturers of plasma stand are Panasonic, LG and Samsung, all of which make their own components.
Panasonic is well positioned to benefit from the death of Kuro. Most engineers Pioneer Kuro came with changed sides and are now working for Panasonic. In addition, recent demonstrations have shown that Panasonic plasmas are almost Kuro quality. Already in possession of the largest market share of plasma in the world (more than 35 per cent), the company will be able to build a diversified product line plasma televisions using a screen type of premium calls a niche that still wants them. Add to this the fact that he derives income from the sale of its glass to other companies, including JVC and Fujitsu, and it seems that it will be able to stay afloat plasma more than any other company. Panasonic will inherit the burden of the difficulty of the economy and the LCD screen challenge, but once the plasma is no longer economically feasible, its own LCD screens will probably be made in the image quality. In fact, the ultimate black contrast technology is already close to LCD. So it's only a matter of years (or less) before finally dying plasmas.
As for Pioneer, all is not lost. Representatives say that plasma TVs are only 14 percent of its business worldwide, and patents for technology Kuro provide a benefit for a while. But any positive bittersweet. The legacy of Kuro TV that will be another best-in-class technology that has been humbled by the strength of the economy and competitive market.
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