Retail Roundup: J.C. Penney Focuses on Exclusive Lines, Retailers Look to India, and More

(MoneyWatch)  J.C. Penney launches exclusive collections -- J. C. Penney's strategy of securing deals with big-name designers for exclusive fashion lines is especially smart during an economic downturn, said Anne Brouwer, a senior partner at the retail-consulting firm McMillian|Doolittle. While department stores lower their year-end expectations, Penney's has been inking contracts with likes of Charlotte Ronson, known for fusing together feminine and vintage touches, and, most recently, Allen B. Schwartz. Both fashion powerhouses are designing brands to be sold exclusively at the retailer; the lines are slated to debut this spring. [Source: J. C. Penney Company News]

Armani, Hilfiger, others look to India -- While increasingly frugal American consumers are making it tough for U.S. retailers to turn an ample profit, Indian shoppers seem eager for new clothing labels, and fashion giants are taking notice. Giorgio Armani Group announced on Oct. 14 that it has opened its first Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani stores in India. Both shops will rest in the nation's first luxury center, New Delhi's Emporio Mall. The roster of high-end brands planting their first stores in India this year seems ever-expanding: Hermes, Cartier, Stella McCartney, Lanvin, and others; meanwhile, Tommy Hilfiger has immediate plans to boost the number of Indian TH stores from 30 to 40. [Source: dnrnews.com]

Shareholders ponder playing role in P&G exec pay -- The topic of executive pay played a front-and-center role at Procter and Gamble Co.'s Tuesday meeting as shareholders mulled over a proposal to give them an advisory vote on executive compensation. Although the measure ended up failing, more than 41 percent of shareholders voted in favor of the proposal. CEO A.G. Lafley's current pay package is nearly $23.5 million. [Source: Dayton Business Journal]

Retailers jump-start holidays -- Consumers may view the holiday season as a time period inching cautiously closer, but for desperate retailers bracing themselves for a tough winter, gift-buying season is already here. Experts say jump-starting holiday festivities is a profit-boosting strategy for what's expected to be a dire season. "A lot of stores are running sales to get people to spend now, not wait," said Dawn Richter, marketing manager at Westfield Brandon shopping center. [Source: Chicago Tribune]