More evidence this evening there truly is breaking news on Planet Prep, with late word that upscale manufacturer Nautica will discontinue its womenswear lines. The company’s womenswear collection currently includes items like the Anchor Graphic Tee seen above, the Short-Sleeved Striped Deck Shirt (it also comes in a solid color, among many fabulous items. Nautica, manufacturing since 1983, describes themselves as “a modern American classic,” and the firm is owned by VF Corporation. The company explains that in part, the decision was definitely impacted by the declining retail landscape in the US. The Princess is actually very bummed about this one as she felt Nautica was just a tad different from Polo, Lacoste, J Crew and many others; perhaps that was their downfall. The following is from the company’s comments on its decision:
“Despite posting impressive revenue and earnings gains in the first quarter, VF Corp. wasn’t immune to the difficulties of the U.S. retail environment – a key factor in the company’s decision to exit Nautica’s women’s sportswear business.
VF’s sportswear coalition, which includes the Nautica and John Varvatos labels, saw North American revenues fall 11 percent during the quarter. Management had anticipated Nautica revenues would decline as a result of one of its customers deciding to reduce its assortment of the brand. In revealing the decision to close the Nautica women’s business, the company said it has decided to devote its resources to the brand’s men’s sportswear segment.“
The Women’s collection also includes wonderful woven shirts, or button-downs like the Sea Spray Stripe, and the Coastal Spray Stripe poplin, which just happens to be on sale, and it also comes in a splendid pink.
Personally, The Princess is very distraught and unclear as to how she’ll proceed without the company’s snuggly tops and jammies. Sniff. However, the cotton Watercolor-Stripe Shirt (in four colors) shown below might be something I could dry my eyes on temporarily, but I don’t know about the long term impact of this little tragedy. Perhaps the Organic Cotton Nightgown shown below will also prove helpful.
Presumably this will impact the just-launched line in the UAE, where Nautica stores were to open March 24th in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For more info on the UAE openings, click on the link above.
PHOTO CREDITS: All photos courtesy Nautica.com
The Preppy Princess 