Sunday, May 9, 2010

Final Summary

In 1981, the Marcianos founded a small denim company in California. The Marciano brothers were raised in the south France, rooted in passion and the essence of French style. Their love of the America west combined with European sensibility became the driving force behind the creation of Guess company.

Guess mission is to commit to being a world wide leader in the fashion industry. They deliver goods and services of firm quality and honesty consistent with their brand and image. They pledge to listen and respond to the needs of their customers, associates, and business partners and to respect their individual values. Through an environment of open communication they dedicate to personal and professional enrichment. They will never stop to help humanity, give back to the community and protect the environment as part of their duties. They continue to dedicate to an entrepreneurial spirit that elevates shareholder value and fuels the growth of the company. Through principled leadership, they cultivate strength, pride, and embrace diversity, and passion to align their personal lives with their professional lives.
Guess target customer is a style-conscious consumer primarily between the ages of 18 and 32 which is highly desirable demographic group that is believed to have significant disposable income to pay for a brand name. Guess focuses on differentiated product designs and styles they believe will separate themselves from the rest of the retail industry. Because consumers tend to relate a higher product cost to a higher product quality, Guess focuses more on exceptional product quality rather than creating a lower cost. As the marketing ads grew increasingly sexier, and began catching the eye of many new people (mainly teens), Guess' sales began to take a turn for the better. The accessories department was greatly expanded and several stores across the United States were redesigned. Guess also created a lower priced collection sold exclusively through it's outlet locations.

Global revenue reached $523 million, compared to $528 million last year. For the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the company reported record net earnings of $64.1 million, a slight increase compared to net earnings of $64.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Diluted earnings per share increased 3.0%,reaching $0.69,compared to 0.67 for the prior year quarter. Product margins improved across all business segments. Operating margin reached 18.9% vs 18.8% last year. This operating margin increase was due to higher product margin in all segments and SG&A leverage resulting from strong expense management. Cash increased to $345 million, compared to $237 million last year.
Guess is a component of the specialty retail industry which is a segment of the overall retail industry. Guess Inc is headquartered in Los Angeles, California where it operates its retail, wholesale, and European licensing business segment. Guess designs, markets, distributes, and licenses lifestyles collections of contemporary apparel and accessories for men, women, and children that reflect American lifestyle and European fashion sensibilities.

Guess successful global expansion is attributed to Paul Marciano the chief executive officer and creative director of the company. Paul plays a role in the development of the domestic and international licensing export business. Under the supervision of Paul, Guess currently has 21 licenses and is distributed in more than 60 countries. In addition to the worldwide retail business expansion. By improving information flow and communication with partners. Guess has increased life cycle visibility, improved collaboration and further its brand value through constant innovation-all within a single platform. With sourcing operation throughout the world, Guess is challenged with providing information such as color code and style numbers to its suppliers in one common language. One of Guess' strengths is the ability to identify fashion trends, put the concepts together, source it very quickly and have it in stores in time to meet consumer demand. Guess' product is marketed under various trademarks, including Guess, Guess?, Guess U.S.A, Guess jeans, Guess? and Triangle design, Question mark and Triangle Design, a stylized G, Guess Kids, Baby Guess, Yes, G by Guess, Guess by Marciano and Marciano. The lines include collections of denim and cotton clothing, including jeans, pants, overall, skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets and knitwear.

The products are sold through retail, wholesale, e-commerce and licensing distribution channels. Through it’s distribution channels, Guess offers a full apparel line of both denim and cotton jeans, pants, overalls, skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets, and knitwear. In addition, Guess also offers accessories, that promote and complement its image which includes eye wear, watches, handbags, kids clothing, footwear, and fragrances. The retail segment includes the company's Retail operations in North America. The Wholesale segment includes operations in North America and its Asian operations. The European segment includes both wholesale and retail operations in Europe and the Middle East. The licensing segment includes the worldwide licensing operations of the company. All licensees are unsurpassed in offering styles and quality to customers around the globe and deliver products and services of uncompromised quality and integrity consistent with the Guess brand image. Guess Inc derives a portion of its revenues, totaling 6% from licensing. The company has many stores outside the united states who sell their jeans, accessories, footwear, baby clothes and so on. Guess Inc markets its goods on the internet to businesses and customers.

Guess Inc's product includes jeans. one of it's market segmentation is a group of consumers who live in and outside of united states. This group are between the ages of 18 and 32. They love fashion and the brand, have disposable income, are willing to buy jeans. This set of people favors Guess Inc product because they will always buy jeans no matter how much it cost them. The other group are kids and teens below the age of 18years old who love jeans, willing to get them but do not have any income. This group some times favors the product because they will try to persuade their parents to buy them some jeans. The other segment are men and women above the age of 32, who have disposable income, not interested in fashion and are not willing to buy one. This segment does not favor Guess Inc because these people, though they have the income but will not spend it buying a pair of jeans.
Guess influences consumer decision making with its brand name. Some customers purchase the specific branded name, they believe it is a symbol of quality. Guess can influence consumer decision making by creating awareness of their product and persuading consumers that their product is relevant to their needs. The company can also influence them by making their product more attractive to the customers by packaging it to draw the attention of new customers. They should also lower the price of their products and make it more affordable by giving discounts. Furthermore, they should create and maintain a relationship with their customers.

Guess Inc product expanded beyond men and women jeans. It has introduced different products like active wear, handbag, jewelry, swimwear, watches, footwear and so on. The jeans come in different colors, styles, and sizes. Guess jeans for girls are made especially for girls and they are totally girly and extremely fashionable. The guess jeans for girls are very popular among them. There are also the guess jeans plus size as well, the plus sizes jeans are extremely useful and they are in order to fit the different sizes of people. The guess vintage jeans are extremely outstanding and very elegant as well. The jeans have classic features and along with that it has high quality maintenance. The jeans have high potential and along with that the jeans is extremely comfortable and very smart as well. The guess is a well known name as far as jeans making is concerned. The production of these jeans is for many years now, and they have expanded and grown so much producing spectacular jeans and have received tremendous amount of fame and name all over the world. These jeans are separately made for both ladies and men and they have different features respectively as well. Guess jeans brands are easily available in the market and they are of great use and they are made up of pure leather and other material as well, which gives them a proper look that adds more up to the charm of the jeans itself.
Guess Inc apparel line which are designed in classic yet upscale styles, includes jeans, pants, overalls, dresses, skirts, shorts, shirts, blouses, jackets and knitwear. Its accessories which complement its apparel line includes eye-wear, footwear, fragrances, handbags, jewelry, and watches. Their labeling is informative, it shows the size of the clothing, color, the materials of which it is made of and where it was made. It also gives direction on how to care for it weather it machine wash or hand wash.

Guess Inc uses historical trends within the market to develop a sales plan for designs and as a guide to the number of sales per garment. With the sales plan in mind they seek out the best quality product at the best possible price. Once the materials are gathered the cost of the item is determined. Including manufacturing labor, fabric, trims, and various other details included in the production of the clothing a rough cost is agreed upon. After the cost is found Guess then determines on a style merchandising cost, which is based on raising or lowering prices to maximize sales and profits. Their products are available primarily in factory and retail stores in the united states. Guess advertising campaigns continue to shatter barriers in creative thinking and present the world with innovative ways to define itself. Guess has a unique sense for dramatic photography that evokes an emotional response in the eye of the viewer. The image of the Guess model has become a pop culture icon in the history of fashion advertising. This campaign usually portrays Guess in a raw urban manner that the target market can relate to. Each model has a unique way of telling their stories by the photo shoots. Accessible yet mysterious, the Guess models are portrayed as confident, spirited and sensuous. The captivating images enable the viewer to act as voyeur, glimpsing what is simultaneously public and private. Their image defined by its simplicity, proving that great design and creativity do not have to be overly complex in fashion.

As part of Guess' mission and the way they do business, they have consistently contributed positively to their environment and community. They commit to the society by supporting charitable activities and organizations. Guess supports Invisible Children, which is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing financial resources to former child soldiers in Northern Uganda. The company teamed up with boys and girls club of America to support programs that improves academic performance, prevent curb violence, alcohol and drug use and strengthen families. Guess employees volunteer in feeding the needy families and in gathering toys for children who need them. They also engage in retail fund raising. This gives their employees the opportunity to volunteer and be committed to their society as well as advancing their development professionally. To their customers it shows high quality product and innovative.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Product Concept

Guess Inc apparel line which are designed in classic yet upscale styles, includes jeans, pants, overalls,dresses, skirts, shorts, shirts, blouses, jackets and knitwear. Its accessories which complement its apparel line includes eye-wear, footwear, fragrances, handbags, jewelry, and watches. The company's products are marketed under trademarks including Guess, Branded G, Guess Jeans, a Stylized G, Guess Collection and so on.
Their labeling is informative, it shows the size of the clothing, color, the materials of which it is made of and where it was made. It also gives direction on how to care for it weather it machine wash or hand wash.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

product concept

Guess Inc product expanded beyond men and women jeans. It has introduced different products like active wear, handbag,jewelry, swimwear, watches, footwear and so on. The jeans come in different colors, styles, and sizes.
Guess jeans for girls are made especially for girls and they are totally girly and extremely fashionable. The guess jeans for girls are very popular among them. There are also the guess jeans plus size as well, the plus sizes jeans are extremely useful and they are in order to fit the different sizes of people. The guess vintage jeans are extremely outstanding and very elegant as well. The jeans have classic features and along with that it has high quality maintenance. The jeans have high potential and along with that the jeans is extremely comfortable and very smart as well. The guess is a well known name as far as jeans making is concerned. The production of these jeans is for many years now, and they have expanded and grown so much producing spectacular jeans and have received tremendous amount of fame and name all over the world. These jeans are separately made for both ladies and gents and they have different features respectively as well. Guess jeans brands are easily available in the market and they are of great use and they are made up of pure leather and other material as well, which gives them a proper look which adds more up to the charm of the jeans itself.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Guess Inc Pricing

Guess Inc uses historical trends within the market to develop a sales plan for designs and as a guide to the number of sales per garment. With the sales plan in mind they seek out the best quality product at the best possible price. Once the materials are gathered the cost of the item is determined. Including manufacturing labor, fabric, trims, and various other details included in the production of the clothing a rough cost is agreed upon. After the cost is found Guess then determines on a style merchandising cost, which is based on raising or lowering prices to maximize sales and profits. Their products are available primarily in factory and retail stores in the united states.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Co-founder of Guess Jeans loses in lawsuits

Guess Inc. former co-founder George Marciano filled a lawsuit against his five employees. In 2007, Marciano sued five of his former employees accusing them of stealing his e-mails and other personal information and were part of a conspiracy to sell art and wine from his collection. The defendants counter sued him for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The jury found Marciano liable to each of his former employees for $74 million, with charges totaling $370 million.
Marciano tried to ruin the reputation of Gary Iskowitz his former accountant and founder of Gary Iskowitz & Company LLP,an accounting firm serving businesses and high-wealth individuals and families. According to Iskowitz attorneys, Marciano initiated his campaign after Iskowitz investiged and found no basis for claims by Marciano that his five employees were stealing from him. Because those employees were awarded, he set out on a premeditated plan to ruin Gary Iskowitz. During his libelous campaign against Iskowitz, Marciano undertook numerous actions to damage his repuatation. He filled a complaint against him in the California Board of Accountancy, submitting IRS 1099 forms claiming that Iskowitz was paid $460,000 and accusing him of numerous crimes. He also accused Iskowitz in more than 30 letters and emails he sent to banks, public agencies and business associates of Gary Iskowitz. The judge found the allegations to be completely and utterly false. Marciano was ordered to pay Gary Iskowitz $45million for libel and emotional distress and $5million each to his wife and business partner who are CPA s for libel, with charges totaling $55million.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Guess' Commitment to the society

As part of Guess' mission and the way they do business, they have consistently contributed positively to their environment and community. They commit to the society by supporting charitable activities and organizations. Guess supports Invisible Children, which is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing financial resources to former child soldiers in Northern Uganda. The company teamed up with boys and girls club of America to support programs that improves academic performance, prevent curb violence, alcohol and drug use and strengthen families. Guess employees volunteer in feeding the needy families and in gathering toys for children who need them. They also engage in retail fund raising. This gives their employees the opportunity to volunteer and be committed to their society as well as advancing their development professionally. To their customers it shows high quality product and innovative.

Guess Advertising campaign

Guess advertising campaigns continue to shatter barriers in creative thinking and present the world with innovative ways to define itself. Guess has a unique sense for dramatic photography that evokes an emotional response in the eye of the viewer. The image of the Guess model has become a pop culture icon in the history of fashion advertising. This campaign usually portrays Guess in a raw urban manner that the target market can relate to. Each model has a unique way of telling their stories by the photo shoots. Accessible yet mysterious, the Guess models are portrayed as confident,spirited and sensuous. The captivating images enable the viewer to act as voyeur,glimpsing what is simultaneously public and private. Their image defined by its simplicity, proving that great design and creativity do not have to be overly complex in fashion.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Guess Distribution Channel

Guess' product is marketed under various trademarks, including Guess, Guess?, Guess U.S.A, Guess jeans, Guess? and Triangle design, Question mark and Triangle Design, a stylized G, Guess Kids, Baby Guess, Yes, G by Guess, Guess by Marciano and Marciano. The lines include collections of denim and cotton clothing, including jeans, pants, overall, skirts, dresses, shorts,blouses,shirts, jackets and knitwear.
Guess also selectively grant licenses to manufacture and distribute a range of products that complement its apparel lines, including eye wear, watches, handbags, footwear and so on.
Guess Inc operates in four segments: Retail, Wholesale, European and Licensing. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, 46.7% of the company's net revenue was generated from retail operations, 14.2% from wholesale operations, 34.3% from European and 4.8% from licensing operations.

The retail segment includes the company's Retail operations in North America. The Wholesale segment includes operations in North America and its Asian operations. The European segment includes both wholesale and retail operations in Europe and the Middle East. The licensing segment includes the worldwide licensing operations of the company. The products are sold through retail, wholesale, e-commerce and licensing distribution channels.

As of January 31, 2009, the company directly operated a total of 425 stores in the United States and Canada and 96 stores outside of the United States and Canada. The 425 stores in U.S.A. and Canada are consisted of 192 full-price GUESS? retail stores, 104 GUESS? factory outlet stores, 52 GUESS by MARCIANO stores, 43 G by GUESS stores and 34 GUESS? Accessories stores. The 96 international stores consist of 61 stores in Europe, 24 stores in Asia and 11 stores in Mexico. The Company’s GUESS? and G By GUESS retail stores carry a assortment of men's and women's merchandise, including the GUESS? and G by GUESS licensed products. Its GUESS? factory outlet stores are primarily located in outlet malls generally operating outside the shopping radius of the wholesale customers and its own full-price GUESS? retail stores. Its GUESS by MARCIANO stores carries an assortment of women's merchandise.

The Company’s apparel products are organized into two primary categories: women's and men's apparel. These products are primarily sold under the GUESS? brand. Its line of women's apparel also includes the GUESS by MARCIANO product line. As of January 31, 2009, the Company’s United States and Canada retail operations, which comprises directly operated stores in both the United States. and Canada, consisted of 192 full-price retail, 104 factory outlet, 52 GUESS by MARCIANO, 43 G by GUESS and 34 GUESS? Accessories stores, which sell GUESS?, GUESS by MARCIANO and G by GUESS labeled apparel and accessory products.

At January 31, 2009, the Company’s full-price North American retail stores occupied approximately 956,000 square feet and ranged in size from approximately 2,000 to 13,500 square feet, with most stores between 3,000 and 6,000 square feet. Its retail stores carry an assortment of men's and women's GUESS? merchandise, including its licensed products. In fiscal 2009, the Company opened nine retail stores, closed three stores and converted one full price retail store to a GUESS? Accessories store. At January 31, 2009, the Company’s United States and Canada factory outlet stores occupied approximately 562,000 square feet and ranged in size from approximately 2,000 to 11,000 square feet, with stores between 4,500 and 6,000 square feet. They are primarily located in outlet malls generally operating outside the shopping radius of its wholesale customers and its full-price retail stores. These stores sell selected styles of GUESS? apparel and licensed products at lower price points. In fiscal 2009, the Company opened seven factory stores.


Saturday, March 20, 2010

Retailing Experience

I visited a retailer Century21 Department store in Manhattan. It is a discount store and was crowded with customers buying and some just looking around the store. Some merchandise shelves were all sold out. They arranged their merchandise according to brand name such as versace, Ralp Lauren, Hugo boss, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Timber Land and so on. The company lacks good customer service. For example, when i went there i asked an employee for a shirt, she was not willing to help instead she told me to ask somebody else. I tried to ask another employee but she told me that's not her section and that she is busy and can't help me. That left me wondering why they were hired in the first place. Theyhad good products with reasonable price but lacked good customer service.

The reason why it is so is due to fact that they sell their products cheaper than most retailers, since consumers like good deals they will still come back because of the discounts. In addition, most of their employees lack good communication and customer service skill. Also, they ask me if i was interested in applying for their credit card when i went to pay at the cash register.

They can improve by providing training and skill development. Conduct skills practice on the floor. All employees should strive to improve their skills each day. The company should identify those employees who are real experts in any given area and let them have the opportunity to share their knowledge. Furthermore, they should award employees who provide outstanding customer service to encourage them to put in their best, this will challege those who have not done well to better. if they improve their customer service, customers will always come back with their friends and family.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Guess Inc market segmentation of their jeans

Guess Inc's product includes jeans. one of it's market segmentation is a group of consumers who live in and outside of united states. This group are between the ages of 18 and 32. They love fashion and the brand, have disposable income, are willing to buy jeans. This set of people favors Guess Inc product because they will always buy jeans no matter how much it cost them.

The other group are kids and teens below the age of 18years old who love jeans, willing to get them but do not have any income. This group some times favors the product because they will try to persuade their parents to buy them some.

The other segment are men and women above the age of 32, who have disposable income, not interested in fashion and are not willing to buy one. This segment does not favor Guess Inc and their because these people, though they have the income but will not spend it buying a pair of jeans.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Business Marketing / Business to Business marketing

Guess Inc sells its products on the internet and offers licenses to stores to sell it's products in their stores. The company has many stores outside the united states who sell their jeans, accessories, footwear, baby clothes and so on.
Guess has licensees and distributors in North America, South America and in other countries. It's licensees include baby and kids apparel, belts, footwear, handbags, jewlery, swimwear and watches. Guess Inc derives a portion of its revenues, totaling 6% from licensing.
All licensees are unsurpassed in offering styles and quality to customers around the globe and deliver products and services of uncompromised quality and integrity consistent with the Guess brand image. Through this arrangement the store and license network , Guess has attained a world wide presence with over 400 stores in 36 countries now featuring the Guess brand.
Guess Inc markets its goods on the internet to businesses and customers. Being one of the leading lifestyle collections of casual apparel, accessories it created an online store where it's sell products.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

How Guess Inc can influence consumer decision making

Guess influences consumer decision making with its brand name. Some customers purchase the specific branded name, they believe it is a symbol of quality. Guess can influence consumer decision making by creating awareness of their product and persuading consumers that their product is relevant to their needs. The company can also influence them by making their product more attractive to the customers by packaging it to draw the attention of new customers. They should also lower the price of their products and make it more affordable by giving discounts. Furthermore, they should create and maintain a relationship with their customers.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

How Guess markets its product globally -

Guess successful global expansion is attributed to Paul Marciano the chief executive officer and creative director of the company. Paul plays a role in the development of the domestic and international licensing export business. Under the supervision of Paul, Guess currently has 21 licenses and is distributed in more than 60 countries. In addition to the worldwide retail business expansion. By improving information flow and communication with partners. Guess has increased life cyle visibility improved collaboration and further its brand value through constant innovation-all within a single platform. With sourcing operation throughout the world, Guess is challenged with providing information such as color code and style numbers to its suppliers in one common language. One of Guess' strengths is the ability to identify fashion trends, put the concepts together, source it very quickly and have it in stores in time to meet consumer demand.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Guess Inc target market, products, and changes over the past 15 years.

Guess is a component of the specialty retail industry which is a segment of the overall retail industry.Guess Inc is headquartered in Los Angeles, California where it operates its retail, wholesale, and European licensing business segment. Guess designs, markets, distributes, and licenses lifestyles collections of contemporary apparel and accessories for men, women, and children that reflect American lifestyle and European fashion sensibilities (Guess Inc. 2006 10-K).
Guess uses three main distribution channels to sell their products which includes;
  1. Using their own stores
  2. Through a network of wholesale accounts
  3. The internet.
Through these distribution channels, Guess offers a full apparel line of both denim and cotton jeans, pants, overalls, skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets, and knitwear. In addition, Guess also offers accessories, that promote and complement its image which includes eye wear, watches, handbags, kids clothing, footwear, and fragrances.

Guess target customer is a style-conscious consumer primarily between the ages of 18 and 32 which is highly desirable demographic group that is believed to have significant disposable income to pay for a brand name. Guess focuses on differentiated product designs and styles they believe will separate themselves from the rest of the retail industry. Because consumers tend to relate a higher product cost to a higher product quality, Guess focuses more on exceptional product quality rather than creating a lower cost.

As the marketing ads grew increasingly sexier, and began catching the eye of many new people (mainly teens), Guess' sales began to take a turn for the better. The accessories department was greatly expanded and several stores across the United States were redesigned. Guess also created a lower priced collection sold exclusively through it's outlet locations.
As of October 31 2009, the company operated 433 retail stores in the United States and Canada and 753 retail stores outside of North America, of which 115 were directly owned . Opening stores gave Guess an opportunity to feature more of their merchandise. Instead of being limited to a wall of jeans and a couple racks of shirts at Bloomingdale's (FD), Guess stores showcases its watches, shoes, handbags, and fragrances.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Guess Inc

Global revenue reached $523 million, compared to $528 million last year. For the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the company reported record net earnings of $64.1 million, a slight increase compared to net earnings of $64.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Diluted earnings per share increased 3.0%,reaching $0.69,compared to 0.67 for the prior year quarter.
Product margins improved across all business segments. Operating margin reached 18.9% vs 18.8% last year. This operating margin increase was due to higher product margin in all segments and SG&A leverage resulting from strong expense management. Cash increased to $345 million, compared to $237 million last year.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Eleanya Mar 100-151 GUESS MISSION STATEMENT

At Guess, we are committed to being a world wide leader in the fashion industry. We deliver goods and services of firm quality and honesty consistent with our brand and image. We pledge to listen and respond to the needs of our customers, associates, and business partners and to respect their individual values. Through an environment of open communication we dedicate to personal and professional enrichment. We will never stop to support humanity, give back to the community and protect the environment as part of our duties. We continue to dedicate to an entrepreneurial spirit that elevates shareholder value and fuels the growth of the company. Through principled leadership, we cultivate strength, pride, we embrace diversity, and passion to align our personal lives with our professional lives.

Eleanya Mar100/151 change of company from TARGET to GUESS

GUESS is in the fashion industry. I choose it because of it's innovative style. It is one of the most widely recognized apparel companies across the globe.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Spring Semester 2010

Thursday, January 28, 2010