TODAY IN DUBIOUS REORGANIZATION: Miss Sixty Shrinks Its Store Count And Exits Manhattan With No Store Closing Sales

Miss Sixty is closing half of its U.S. stores including its Manhattan locations. The Flatiron District location (pictured above) which opened only two and a half years ago with a glittery party was reportedly euthanized last week, and the SoHo store is set to bite the dust on Sunday. Bargain shoppers will be relieved to hear that the Woodbury Commons Outlet store will remain open. Due to a lack of comment from Miss Sixty executives, WWD cites various store employees who insist that the brand isn't in trouble and will replace the closed stores with new units in better locations. While the Los Angeles store set to close next month is on a stretch of Melrose Avenue that has seen busier days, for example, it's hard to imagine a sportswear brand turning up its nose at West Broadway in SoHo or a historic building at Broadway and 20^th Street just north of Union Square. Other locations that would sound fairly desirable in Las Vegas, Washington DC and San Francisco have also been shuttered or will be shortly. Perhaps we really shouldn't expect them to reappear here anytime soon.

UPDATE:
A visit to SoHo's Miss Sixty confirms that it will indeed be closing on Sunday, and yet there was not even the slightest hint of a store closing sale going on. Perhaps the stock will be redistributed among the label's remaining locations, or maybe there will be a clearance bonanza at Woodbury Commons later this Spring. Is there more to this story than what has been reported so far? Is Miss Sixty simply trying to get out of some costly pre-recession priced leases? Stranger things have been known to happen.

Miss Sixty to Shutter 10 U.S. Stores (WWD)
Previously:
Miss Sixty Meets Energie and Has a Big Bash

BACK TO CANADA WITH THEM: Parasuco Packs It Up

Faithful longtime readers may remember that when Canadian Denim brand Parasuco opened its boutique in SoHo in 2006, The Shophound was none too impressed. In fact we thought that the majestic, gilded and marble-lined former bank building deserved a more tasteful tenant than a janky jeans company. We were so very not impressed, in fact, that a Parasuco executive wrote to us to defend the brand from our slings and arrows.

It didn't work.

We really wouldn't take the slightest bit of credit for the boutique's closing years after we trashed them, but we can't say we're all that sad to see them go.

We should be careful what we wish for, however, because the more tasteful replacement tenant at Lafayette and Spring Streets is going to be...
Duane Reade. (or as their weird new logo would say: DUANEreade)

It's not the more fashionable shop we would have hoped for, but that particular corner is possibly not the best spot for the kind of more glamorous store that might befit such an imposing piece of architecture. Frankly, given the sleek new makeover that is being rolled out to Duane Reade's branches, we think that it's possible that the drugstore chain is, in fact, still more tasteful than Parasuco, which doesn't really say a whole hell of a lot for either one of them.

Parasuco Shutters, Giving Duane Reade Chance to Prove Sexiness (RACKED)
Previously:
Canadians Are Here
Canadians Are Pissed

TODAY IN RELOCATIONS: The Conran Shop Colonizes The Basement At ABC Carpet & Home

The Conran Shop quietly opened this week in its new location taking over the lower level of ABC Carpet & Home, and it's a glass half-full/half-empty kind of thing. Initially, we were skeptical at first of how such a bold retailer as Conran would fit into ABC's already well rounded collection of departments. Depending on your point of view you can see it as a condensed, easily digestible collection of Sir Terence Conran's highly evolved design vision, or a diminished, watered down version of his dramatic former flagship in the shadow of the Queensboro Bridge. We're leaning toward the former, but there are definitely a few drawbacks to the move.

On the positive side, the Conran crew has done a remarkable job recreating the feeling of the former location which, in all fairness, was mostly underground anyway. Gone is the clutter of former tenant, Silk Trading Company (which has relocated itself a few blocks up Broadway to Domain's former domain). The space has been cleared out and cleaned up, and fixtures from the former location have migrated downtown and settled in similar configurations. Conran has broadened the the offerings under ABC's roof in other ways as well. As far as we can tell, this is the only place in the huge home store that actually has cookware or any kitchen appliances at all. Of course, it is expensive pieces from the likes of Mauviel and Alessi that are available, but they are still a welcome addition. Conran's sleek entertaining collections also make a much needed counterpoint to the increasingly dainty and fragile looking tabletop offerings on ABC's main floor. Surprisingly missing from the mix are the collections from Sir Terence's children Jasper Conran and Sophie Conran, but boxes were still being unpacked when we visited yesterday, so they may still appear. Still around are the carefully curated gift offerings as well as a more concentrated selection of lighting and other novelty items.

Still, it's not a total replica of the East Side Conran Shop. The furniture selection appears greatly reduced, and in some cases seem to have been boiled down to celebrated design pieces which would already be widely available elsewhere. Garden and Outdoor Entertaining and Bed and Bath appear to have been eliminated almost entirely with a few exception items, and rugs also seem to be gone, although it would be hard to imagine that Conran could offer any floor coverings that wouldn't already be included in ABC's own vast assortments. And, of course, the dramatic greenhouse-like building that housed the other store made a bold design statement itself which is missed in the shopping experience here. What's to become of that building, we don't know. Clearly, if it had been in a more accessible, or even highly visible location, Conran might not have had to move, but now that they have, we are betting that they will do more business in less space. Ultimately, it will probably become a more popular destination, and we are happy to see that Terence Conran will not have to once again exit his U.S. business after all.

The Conran Shop at ABC Carpet & Home 888 Broadway, Lower Level, Flatiron District

Surf's Up At Hollister, Dude

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It's only April, and Memorial Day is still nearly six weeks away, but it's high Summer for the boys at SoHo's Hollister who were out this afternoon beach-ready and playing their favorite game of "Who Can Wear Their Board Shorts the Lowest?"

Bless their little well toned hearts.

Now, is this really news?

Not really.

Are you still looking at the picture?

Go ahead. Take your time. There's no rush.

You're welcome.

CINTRA WILSON GOES SHOPPING: Subversive Fashion Consciousness Edition

In a surprising turn of events, Critical Shopper in Chief Cintra Wilson is only marginally impressed by Isabel Marant's instantly popular brand new SoHo boutique in this week's upcoming Thursday Styles.

Exclusive and appealing yet not excessively precious or opulent, Marant's sportswear has quietly become a mainstay for a certain stylish set, and yet Wilson's expectations are slightly deflated when she discovers that she has already inadvertently approximated the French designer's laid back look at a far lower cost, or perhaps her own eclectic style has been appropriated and is being sold for absurd prices.

I liked the inventory instantly. Then again, it all seemed very familiar. It was reflective of play clothes I’ve been collecting in thrift stores for years: solid, timeless casual stuff.

I was wearing a boy’s plaid rodeo shirt with snap buttons (eBay, $12), a charcoal-gray Hanes zipper hoodie (Wal-Mart, $12), skinny-legged Levi’s I bought at one of those loud discount places on lower Broadway (under $40) and an old wool Army jacket (eBay, under $20).  Coincidentally enough, I looked, in texture, shape and substance, more or less like I got dressed right in the store.

Conceding that there are plenty of things to love about and inside Marant's new shop, La Cintra leaves empty handed but satisfies her shopping urge at a Canal Street surplus store with a $5 scarf while expounding on the pointlessness of the newly popular Designer Army Jacket in a mini-diatribe that seems aimed as much at hot designers like Christophe Decarnin of Balmain (another prime offender) as it may be as Ms. Marant.

The point is to recognize a meritocracy in things of value, regardless of their low points of origin, current trendiness or future invisibility. Quality is quality, period. All else is corporate fear, hype, vanity and vexation of the spirit. Foolish is as foolish does.

Of course, one has to wonder exactly how many designers would be entirely out of business if more people realized this?

Critical Shopper | Isabel Marant What’s in a Label? Say It in French By Cintra Wilson (NYTimes)
Isabel Marant 469 Broome Street at Greene Street, SoHo

THE WINDOW WATCHER: Bergdorf Goodman Goes Musical With A Sondheim Tribute

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It's not unusual for people to stop for a prolonged gaze into Bergdorf Goodman's windows, but this week, it looks like they are not paying so much attention to the clothes. They are momentarily distracted from the store's usual lavish wares by a compendium of Stephen Sondheim memorabilia honoring the theater legend's 80^th birthday. Among the Fifth Avenue displays are two windows filled with Al Hirschfeld's unmistakable drawings depicting nearly every one of the composer's Broadway productions, and drawing the most crowds who are probably looking for the artist's signature hidden "Nina"s.

The windows are officially affiliated with  City Center's Gala this Monday night honoring Sondheim with an all star cast (and unofficially, though probably not uncoincidentally, timed to coexist with Roundabout Theater Company's show "Sondheim on Sondheim" which opens this week at Studio 54). Sometimes cooperative, sponsored store windows can turn out looking like paid advertisements, but not here. Bergdorf's expert window designers have far more finesse than that, and have cleverly found ways to devote the other windows to pages of script and lyrics, posters and even props and souvenirs from shows ranging from the wildly successful ("Sunday In The Park With George"), the obscure ("The Frogs") and the notorious flops ("Anyone Can Whistle", "Merrily We Roll Along"). If you're lucky, you might, as we did, stumble upon a pair of window shoppers who were so inspired that they broke into their own sing-along (we're not kidding).

Bergdorf Goodman 754 Fifth Avenue between 57^th & 58^th Streets, Midtown

NEW ADDITIONS: Anthropologie Makes Itself At Home In Chelsea

Anthropologie's highly anticipated Chelsea Market branch opened last weekend in a highly desirable corner store at 15^th Street and Ninth Avenue, and from the busy looks of things on the following Monday afternoon they should have no trouble making a go of things in a slightly offbeat location. Rumor had it that this branch would have more of an emphasis on home items than the other three branches in Manhattan and it does... sort of. Don't worry, there are still plenty of dresses, and the store still has that signature, girly Anthropologie ambiance regular customers will recognize. You may find yourself poking through blouses to find a charming bud vase if you are not especially accustomed to the store's deceptively haphazard layout. There is, indeed a lower level, devoted mostly to clothes and small bedding and clearance areas. It's hard to believe now that when Urban Outfitters launched its more upscale sister chain in the early '90s that it also sold men's sportswear and vintage hardware. The current statement in the non-apparel categories is eclectic, ersatz thrift shop novelty such as ceramic tea sets designed to look like seashells or porcelain votive holders shaped like little glowing artichokes. It's possible that you could buy a set of dishes here, but probably not one that matched. It's an excellent resource for gifts (one that we had been ignoring, frankly), and it's clear that the merchandising chiefs have developed a successful formula for the chain which now numbers over 90 stores across the country.

And that's something of a problem. As well devised as the store is, we no longer felt like we were in the Chelsea Market, which, in adding Anthropologie, obviously bent its original policy of devoting the complex to local, independent businesses. Previously, the same space held a flower market. Sure there are chains there like Hale & Hearty Soups, but they are our own New York chains, and Anhropologie feels a little bit like a sneaky intrusion that threatens to turn the place into just another little mall. It remains to be seen if the trend will continue at the Chelsea Market. The other newer additions, like Jacques Torres Chocolates, for example, are more along the lines of the original concept of the place. As far as we can tell, there is only one other large space, frequently used for Privé's sample sales, available, and it will be interesting to see if it ultimately stays local, or winds up holding another upscale, national chain.

IT'S OFFICIAL: UNIQLO Confirmed For Fifth Avenue

It seems that our UNIQLO news always comes clustered together these days, but what can we do?

After much speculation (mostly running along the lines of "How could they not?), UNIQLO has confirmed to WWD that it will be opening a second New York store at 666 Fifth Avenue at 53^rd Street. They will be taking over the 89,340-square-foot space in the distinctive metal-clad tower that was left available by Brooks Brothers' closing last year. This is more than double the size of the chain's SoHo flagship, which at the time of its opening, was its largest anywhere in the world, but, as anyone who has visited it on any day past noon, it fills up with customers quickly. No opening date has been announced, but it is not likely to be ready before the end of this year.

Uniqlo Plans to Open Fifth Avenue Flagship (WWD)
Previously:
Midtown Flagship Follow-Up: Is Uniqlo Finally Coming To Fifth Avenue?

This Week Online (And In Stores)

Here is just a sampling of what looks good (or at least intriguing) to us amongst the online Sample Sale Sites this week. You should click over to the sites themselves for a full schedule of events. Be sure to check the correct start times for sales on each site. Happy clicking!

GILT GROUPE

Cynthia Steffe, Calvin Klein Collection, McQ Alexander McQueen, 1891 by Sferra, Hugo Boss, Spanx —join HERE

GILT MAN

Masons, Cannonale & Pearl Izumi, Jack Spade, Hanro, Baron Wells, Billy Reid —join HERE

GILT FUSE

Tova Jewelry, Karen Zambos, Betsey Johnson, Sigg Bottles —join HERE

RUE LALA

Skagen Denmark, Callaway, Cynthia Rowley, Hart Schaffner & Marx, St. John, Peacock Alley, Carlos Falchi, Loomstate —join HERE

IDEELI

Rock & Republic, WESC, Kalorik, Satya Jewelry, Tart —join HERE

ONE KINGS LANE

Siena Frames, Juliska, Pür, French Laundry, Dempsey & Carroll, Graphic Image, Core Bamboo —join HERE

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Saks is holding its seasonal Friends & Family sale From Thursday April 22nd to Sunday the 25th (online it begins on the 20th) with a somewhat smaller discount than usual -20% off- and lots of restrictions. In any case, any discount is nothing to sneeze at, so feel free to print out the image after the jump or use the code online, and shop away.

COLLABORATION ANTICIPATION: Costello Tagliapietra Hits UNIQLO in May

Mark your calendars. There's one more collaboration line coming that will be worth going out of your way for.

UNIQLO has an impressive track record picking out American designers to boost with a collaboration capsule collection, and its latest pick is Brooklyn based design duo, Costello Tagliapietra whose line will launch on Thursday, May 20^th at the SoHo flagship.

The pair follows names like Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang among others who have seen business boom after being featured by the chain. Although there is still only one UNIQLO in the U.S. and a handful across Europe, there are hundreds of stores in Japan and other parts of Asia, so the benefits of such exposure can be immeasurable to an up-and-coming independent label.

The Shophound has been admiring Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra's expertly draped and tailored dresses for seasons (we have shots from their Fall 2010 Collection HERE), and their signature luxurious style will be translated to 14 different dresses in silks and slub jerseys priced from $29.50 to $39.50 and meant to take women from day into evening with a minimum of restyling.

Costello Tagliapietra for UNIQLO launches May 20^th at 546 Broadway between Prince and Spring Streets, SoHo
Previously:
New York Fashion Week Day 2: Returning To Form With Yigal Azrouël, Christian Siriano & Costello Tagliapietra