By chance, our recent visit to Paris coincided with Fashion Week, the biggest week of the year for French designers.
We did not attend any events, but one night while walking back from a late dinner we found ourselves on Rue Montaigne where many designers have their shops. It was late at night but every shop was open for private showings.
This is where, when and how some of the 1% shop.
Fabrique genevoise de crayons began over 101 years ago when the Ecridor Pencil Factory was purchased by Arnold Schweitzer in Geneva, Switzerland. Today, the company known as Caran d’Ache is the premium manufacturer of pens, pencils and art supplies in Switzerland with the brand known world-wide for its quality. I had the chance to visit the Boutique Caran d”Ache at Place du Bourg-de-Four on my visit to Geneva. A wonderful little shop from the manufacturer of 40,000,000 FSC-certified pencils a year.
Alexander Blecher, blecher.info
Eastpak, a backpack company that traces its roots back to making bags for the US military, was acquired by VF in the year 2000. To expand their business, Eastpak and VF came up with a three-part strategy for growth; Diversify the offerings, Globalize the brand, Create a Lifestyle brand.
How did they do? The reason for this post was the predominance of the Eastpak brand on the streets of Europe.
I stopped at the local Outlet Mall the other day to do some shopping and some observation. It was a warm and sunny day and may of the stores had their doors open to deal with the heat.
Being a fan of the brand and a citizen of the PNW, I stopped by the Columbia Sportswear Outlet where they had a great sale going on. I quickly found several items that I was shopping for so I headed to the registers where there were a number of waiting cashiers.
“I can help you right here,” came a greeting from the nearest register.
The Observant Customer 