Latest news with #RichardBaker
Forbes
3 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Local Politicians Blame ‘Rude' Cycling Advocates For Lack Of High-Quality Cycle Lanes
Detail of a bike symbol partially obliterated by roadworks on Tottencourt Court Road, in London, ... More England. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images Images) Aside from the proliferation of potholes, few other issues lead to fiercer debate in local media than the creation of bike lanes. Even though cycling is a benign form of personal transport, much of this debate is often headlined as 'controversial,' with those who call for cycle infrastructure sometimes labeled, wrongly, as 'all-powerful.' At the same time, far more dominant car interests fly under the radar. Now, a new British study claims that a 'sizeable number of cyclists may unwittingly undermine their own cause.' In the words of one local politician mentioned in the study, this was because of the 'rudeness' of some cycle advocates on social media. This characterization may be a symptom of so-called 'motornormativity'—unconscious bias in favor of motoring—but, according to a local politician quoted in the paper, many U.K. councils 'find it harder to advocate for more cycle infrastructure, not because people don't like it, but because people feel that nothing we ever do will make cyclists happy.' Given the often truncated nature of bike lanes—which can start and stop for no physical reason and rarely mesh to form a useable network, unlike the infrastructure provided for motorists—this is perhaps unsurprising. The study includes interviews with dozens of councilors and local officials who work on local transport projects across the U.K. Study author Dr. Alexander Nurse, a reader in urban planning at the University of Liverpool, found that while bike lane opponents were often hostile and antagonistic, so were some cycle advocates. View of a bus cutting across a painted cycle lane at Old Street roundabout on in London, England. ... More (Photo by John Keeble/Getty Image) Nurse found that slightly less than one-third of interactions with cycle advocates about new projects were seen as negative. One respondent complained: 'Cycling campaigners are counterproductive due to their rudeness.' Strident social media campaigning in favor of bike lanes 'can massively undermine [cycling's] case, particularly with skeptical councilors,' said a respondent to Nurse's survey of almost 50 councilors and officials. However, such strident posts on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites were considered by councilors to be peripheral, while far more persuasive were emails and face-to-face interactions with constituents. 'While social media is a powerful tool,' said Nurse, 'it doesn't replace traditional methods when it comes to meaningful community engagement.' The subject of providing infrastructure for cyclists was considered 'controversial' by many councilors, reports The Guardian, with debate on social media seen as 'toxic.' Those opposed to cycling infrastructure could often be 'abusive,' said the research. One councilor described being 'doxxed' online, with their address and family details revealed. Some councillors expressed suspicion of those opposed to bike lanes, describing them as 'usually anonymous' and often pushing 'misinformation from the Libertarian fringe or organizations that are almost certainly bankrolled by fossil fuel organizations' but councillors also said that some cycle advocates 'don't appreciate challenges in advancing delivery.' The paper is published in the journal Local Government Studies.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Resurrecting Hudson's Bay, in a Limited Way
Hudson's Bay is liquidating all of its stores but won't completely disappear from the Canadian retail landscape. The Canadian Tire Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to buy the intellectual properties of Hudson's Bay, including the time-honored HBC stripes and various company names, logos, designs, coat of arms and brand trademarks, for 30 million Canadian dollars. More from WWD Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney's Wife Has Her Own Global Career Experience Paris Jewellers Canada Inks Deal With Professional Women's Hockey League Hudson's Bay Extends Liquidation to Entire Fleet Hudson's Bay this year started liquidating all 80 of its stores, which are situated throughout Canada, but the deal with Canadian Tire means the signature Hudson's Bay merchandise, most notably the blankets and accessories bearing the familiar Hudson's Bay stripes, will survive. Canadian Tire is also bidding for a handful of Hudson's Bay leases, most likely to be converted into Canadian Tire retail formats, and less likely for reviving any Hudson's Bay stores. The locations being pursued were not disclosed, nor did Canadian Tire indicate what any Hudson's Bay leases would be used for. Among Hudson's Bay's key locations are those in downtown Toronto on Queen Street; the Yorkdale Shopping Center in Toronto; the Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, Ontario; in downtown Montreal; in Laval and in Pointe-Claire, both cities in Quebec. The venerable Hudson's Bay chain was brought down by stronger competition, younger generations opting to shop new formats such as Aritzia, a lack of investment, too much debt and a string of management changes and repositionings over the last two decades as it tried to find its way. Recent talks to secure financing fell apart. Hudson's Bay was part of the same retail group led by Richard Baker that owned Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Off 5th, but when Saks purchased the Neiman Marcus Group in December in a $2.7 billion deal forming Saks Global, Hudson's Bay was separated from the operation. Baker's NRDC Equity Partners bought Hudson's Bay in 2008 for around $1 billion from the widow of South Carolina industrialist Jerry Zucker, who bought Hudson's Bay two years before for $1.1 billion. 'It's disheartening to witness the final days of another great Canadian retailer, and while the circumstances are unfortunate, we're proud to step in for customers,' Greg Hicks, the president and chief executive officer of Canadian Tire, said in a statement. 'Ultimately, customers are at the core of all we do, and by Canadians' reaction to recent rumors of this news, it is clear they see us as a great home for HBC's heritage. 'Canadian Tire and the Hudson's Bay Company are among the nation's longest-standing companies, with a combined Canadian heritage measured in centuries,' Hicks added. 'Some things are just meant to stay Canadian.' Hudson's Bay is 355 years old. Canadian Tire is 103 years old. The deal to sustain Hudson's Bay, albeit in a limited way, 'feels as strategic as it feels patriotic,' Hicks added. 'It builds on our generational connection to life in Canada and it fits our new True North strategy. The stripes will add beautifully to our portfolio of owned brands alongside other Canadian favorites that we have fostered and grown, and The Bay and its brands have long been known for their strength in categories that our customers will seek in our stores and online.' The agreement is subject to court approval and other customary terms and conditions. Canadian Tire expects the transaction to close later this summer. There are approximately 500 Canadian Tire retail locations, selling a vast array of merchandise including automotive products, pipes, party products, tools, repair products, lawn equipment, sports and outdoor equipment. The Toronto-based Canadian Tire also operates SportChek, Mark's, and Party City stores in Canada. Best of WWD Macy's Is Closing 66 Stores in 2025 — Here's the List, Live Updates Inside the Demise of Lord & Taylor COVID-19 Spikes Elevate Retail Concerns Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rockport's Headed to the UK and Ireland
Leading footwear distributor Chapters Brand Group is set to bring the Rockport shoe brand across the pond. Brand management firm Authentic Brands Group, which owns the Rockport intellectual property, has signed a deal with Chapters to distribute the brand across the U.K. and Ireland. Authentic said that under the terms of the agreement, Chapter will distribute Rockport men's and women's footwear across the regions. More from WWD Brooks Brothers Returns to Downtown NYC With Global Flagship Authentic Brands Group Is Buying Dockers for $311 Million Richard Baker Confirms Saks Global to Cut Up to 600 Vendors 'Rockport is a brand with a strong heritage, global recognition and a loyal following,' Henry Stupp, president, Lifestyle & Entertainment EMEAI at Authentic, said. 'Chapters' deep understanding of the regional markets and expertise in brand building make them the ideal partner to establish Rockport's presence and unlock long-term growth across these important regions.' Graeme Nichol, a managing director at Chapters, said, 'There's a clear demand for footwear that combines everyday functionality with thoughtful design and Rockport delivers exactly that.' He cited the Umbwe as an iconic footwear classic, noting that his firm has 'stuck faithfully to the brand's original specifications,' using Vibram soles, Hydroshield membranes, full moccasin construction, and buttery calf leathers to make sure that both 'comfort and quality remain at the forefront.' Rockport Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy court protection in June 2023. It was the second Chapter 11 filing within a five year period for the shoe firm founded in 1971 by the father and son duo Saul and Bruce Katz. They sold the brand to Reebok in 1986 for $118 million, which later sold it in 2015. Authentic snapped up the brand in July 2023 during a bankruptcy court approved sales. Authentic a year earlier acquired Rockport's former parent Reebok. One of Authentic's first moves was to tap Marc Fisher Footwear—it's also the shoe licensee for Authentic's Nine West, Hunter Boots and Bandolino labels—as its U.S. partner to handle Rockport's footwear design, wholesale and e-commerce operations. The brand's offerings skews more towards the men's footwear market. Best of WWD All the Retailers That Nike Left and Then Went Back Mikey Madison's Elegant Red Carpet Shoe Style [PHOTOS] Julia Fox's Sleekest and Boldest Shoe Looks Over the Years [Photos] Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Resurrecting Hudson's Bay, in a Limited Way
Hudson's Bay is liquidating all of its stores but won't completely disappear from the Canadian retail landscape. The Canadian Tire Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to buy the intellectual properties of Hudson's Bay, including the time-honored HBC stripes and various company names, logos, designs, coat of arms and brand trademarks, for 30 million Canadian dollars. More from WWD Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney's Wife Has Her Own Global Career Experience Paris Jewellers Canada Inks Deal With Professional Women's Hockey League Hudson's Bay Extends Liquidation to Entire Fleet Hudson's Bay this year started liquidating all 80 of its stores, which are situated throughout Canada, but the deal with Canadian Tire means the signature Hudson's Bay merchandise, most notably the blankets and accessories bearing the familiar Hudson's Bay stripes, will survive. Canadian Tire is also bidding for a handful of Hudson's Bay leases, most likely to be converted into Canadian Tire retail formats, and less likely for reviving any Hudson's Bay stores. The locations being pursued were not disclosed, nor did Canadian Tire indicate what any Hudson's Bay leases would be used for. Among Hudson's Bay's key locations are those in downtown Toronto on Queen Street; the Yorkdale Shopping Center in Toronto; the Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, Ontario; in downtown Montreal; in Laval and in Pointe-Claire, both cities in Quebec. The venerable Hudson's Bay chain was brought down by stronger competition, younger generations opting to shop new formats such as Aritzia, a lack of investment, too much debt and a string of management changes and repositionings over the last two decades as it tried to find its way. Recent talks to secure financing fell apart. Hudson's Bay was part of the same retail group led by Richard Baker that owned Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Off 5th, but when Saks purchased the Neiman Marcus Group in December in a $2.7 billion deal forming Saks Global, Hudson's Bay was separated from the operation. Baker's NRDC Equity Partners bought Hudson's Bay in 2008 for around $1 billion from the widow of South Carolina industrialist Jerry Zucker, who bought Hudson's Bay two years before for $1.1 billion. 'It's disheartening to witness the final days of another great Canadian retailer, and while the circumstances are unfortunate, we're proud to step in for customers,' Greg Hicks, the president and chief executive officer of Canadian Tire, said in a statement. 'Ultimately, customers are at the core of all we do, and by Canadians' reaction to recent rumors of this news, it is clear they see us as a great home for HBC's heritage. 'Canadian Tire and the Hudson's Bay Company are among the nation's longest-standing companies, with a combined Canadian heritage measured in centuries,' Hicks added. 'Some things are just meant to stay Canadian.' Hudson's Bay is 355 years old. Canadian Tire is 103 years old. The deal to sustain Hudson's Bay, albeit in a limited way, 'feels as strategic as it feels patriotic,' Hicks added. 'It builds on our generational connection to life in Canada and it fits our new True North strategy. The stripes will add beautifully to our portfolio of owned brands alongside other Canadian favorites that we have fostered and grown, and The Bay and its brands have long been known for their strength in categories that our customers will seek in our stores and online.' The agreement is subject to court approval and other customary terms and conditions. Canadian Tire expects the transaction to close later this summer. There are approximately 500 Canadian Tire retail locations, selling a vast array of merchandise including automotive products, pipes, party products, tools, repair products, lawn equipment, sports and outdoor equipment. The Toronto-based Canadian Tire also operates SportChek, Mark's, and Party City stores in Canada. Best of WWD Macy's Is Closing 66 Stores in 2025 — Here's the List, Live Updates Inside the Demise of Lord & Taylor COVID-19 Spikes Elevate Retail Concerns
Scotsman
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Saks Fifth Avenue: luxury store to launch Amazon storefront
The iconic US retailer is bringing its curated designer edit to British shoppers 👗 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Saks Fifth Avenue is launching a dedicated storefront on Amazon's UK website The move builds on a six-year partnership between Saks and Amazon in the US Similar storefronts are planned for India, Japan, Europe, and the Middle East Saks will maintain full control over product selection and fulfilment on Amazon The expansion highlights how luxury brands are carefully entering mainstream ecommerce A luxury US department store is preparing to launch a dedicated storefront on Amazon's UK website, as the brand international expansion continues. American retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, known for its high-end fashion offering, already runs a curated luxury space on Amazon's US platform, selling designer goods from labels such as Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, and Stella McCartney. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But now, Saks is building on that partnership with plans to establish similar storefronts across key global markets - including the UK, India, Japan, Europe, and the Middle East. Known for its upscale fashion, designer goods, and premium customer service, Saks was founded in 1867. (Photo: Phillip Pessar/Flickr) | Phillip Pessar/Flickr Saks began with its first store in the F Street shopping district of Washington, D.C., before expanding into Manhattan in 1902. In 1923, the company was acquired by the Gimbels department store chain, which oversaw its nationwide expansion. The following year, Saks opened its iconic flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The name became a symbol of high-end retail, catering to affluent shoppers with a curated selection of designer clothing, accessories, and beauty products. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's worth noting that there is a UK-based chain called Saks Hair & Beauty, which has been operating since 1974 and offers salon services across various locations. This chain is not affiliated with Saks Fifth Avenue. Speaking at the World Retail Congress, Saks Global executive chairman Richard Baker described the move as part of a six-year collaboration with Amazon to create a 'walled garden' retail environment - offering the prestige of Saks within the reach and infrastructure of Amazon. He said: 'The idea was to create a place on Amazon where the walls were high enough that when you shop at Saks on Amazon, you can only see the assortment available at Saks - not knock-offs, not low-priced items.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While Amazon provides the platform, the storefronts are fully operated by Saks, allowing the retailer to maintain control over both merchandise selection and fulfilment. The expansion reflects a broader trend of luxury brands cautiously embracing mainstream ecommerce platforms - on their own terms.
