Timely Demise read two interesting articles in yesterday's New York Times. First, the news: retail sales fell in March, as did producer prices, as a temporary bump in spending pulled back. While a few chains posted sales gains, the overall retail industry fell 1.1%, suggesting continued weakness but not market contraction.
More curious was the Times' coverage of bankrupt stores resuscitated as brands. Several companies are being leveraged for their well-known identities despite the failure of their store-level businesses. Among them: Sharper Image, which sold its name for a hefty sum to use on a new line of gadgets; as well as Linens 'n Things and Bombay.
