Saturday, March 1, 2008

First Kmart, now Wal-Mart

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how Kmart was obviously trying to copy Target with their “Piper Blue” fashion line (imitating Target’s uber-popular Go International line of designer wear). Now it appears that Wal-Mart is getting into the fray by hiring a REAL designer (vs. a made up one like Piper Blue) to create a line of affordable fashions. Norma Kamali, best known for her cotton jersey knitwear, will “create an exclusive collection that will include women’s wear, children’s clothing, accessories, footwear and home items” (this according to Women’s Wear Daily).

Hmmm…..interesting. While I give kudos for to Wal-Mart for hiring a known entity, I wonder if anyone will care? Norma Kamali is a name mainly known from the 70’s/80’s, and unlike other designers of that era (like Diane von Furstenberg) she hasn’t experienced a resurgence in the past decade. Sure, she has name recognition, but will it translate into sales?

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