Ascena Retail Group, $4.9B parent of women apparel retailers Lane Bryant and Dressbarn, is acquiring $2.5B Ann Inc., parent of Ann Taylor and Loft, in a deal worth $2B in cash/stock.
Lane Bryant is a leading player in the plus-sized market, which is a fast-growing segment that current chalks up $9B in annual revenues. Dress Barn sells lower priced clothing.
Ann Taylor's focus is on career women and suburban moms, while the Loft feature more casual items.
David Jaffe, Ascena CEO, said the merger "dramatically reinforces our leadership position in women's specialty apparel retailing." He expects $150M in annual cost savings within three years.
ICR Inc.'s James Palczynski is doing investor work for Ascena.
Publicis Groupe's Kekst & Co. has Wendi Kopsick, Dawn Dover and Stef Goodsell handling represent Ann Inc.
Kim Kardashian West is using Full Picture PR for a $200M alliance with COTY Inc. to expand her KKW Beauty's product line and open new market categories.
Fashion PR pro Kelly Cutrone has charged hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons with a rape attempt in 1991.
Fashionable travel luggage and accessories are focusing on becoming more tech-centered to meet traveling and space-saving demands.
For lifestyle PR to be effective today, practitioners must lead with audience-centric strategies that meet consumers on the platforms they use, when they use them, with strong storytelling at its core.
Celebrities have always played a key role in the marketing landscape. But companies eager to tap into social media channels are now making a conscious shift to include influencers in their online marketing plans, with the fashion and beauty industries leading the charge.
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