Uniqlo - H 2015
AP ImagesJapanese retailer Uniqlo is thinking outside the box with a new workweek system, which would give full-time retail employees three days off a week. Rather than working five consecutive eight-hour days, management is testing a new program, which would implement four 10-hour days. The only kicker? Employees would be required to work Saturdays and Sundays, when the store is generally busiest. If the trial is successful, Uniqlo’s parent company, Fast Retailing (which also owns J Brand and Theory), said it will try to roll out the program in Uniqlo’s corporate offices as well, in the hopes of giving employees more time to spend with their families. This, in turn, would lead to higher retention of good employees. [Bloomberg]
Ralph Lauren’s wearable-tech venture is just getting underway — but it’s not all smooth sailing for the brand. The Ralph Lauren Corp. now is being sued by Jimmy Bryan for allegedly infringing on his patents for a handbag with an illuminated interior that also charges electrical devices. Bryan, who currently does not have any bags on the market, is claiming that Ralph Lauren’s Ricky Bag With Light, as well as bags from Leoht Inc. (which has illuminated purses available for preorder via Kickstarter — another company listed in the suit), use two of his patents in their products. [WWD]
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Model and fitness blogger (no, they’re not the same thing, but almost) Adrianne Ho has designed a new capsule collection for PacSun called Sweat Crew. Like anything you might expect from a model/fitness enthusiast, the line of athletic wear is casual yet sexy, with camo-printed leggings, oversize sweatshirts with high side-slits and strappy sports bras. Ho’s only request? Don’t call Sweat Crew “ath-leisure” — these are clothes for actually working out. Got it. [Elle]
Madewell is recalling over 50,000 pairs of sandals imported from the brand’s “Sightseer” collection after the Consumer Product Safety Commission received eight reports that a faulty metal shank causes a tripping hazard. The Sightseer sandal, which was sold in stores and on Madewell.com and Shopbop.com for between $60-$80 from February to July, includes 10 distinct styles. Customers are urged to return the sandal for a full refund. [WWD]
