Latest Blow for Gap: Group Plots New Tack As Sales Slide Goes On

Gap Inc. experienced more hard times during the holidays and is reexamining product and merchandising strategies.

Lapo Elkann is going public with his demons.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) was sworn in as the first woman Speaker of the House and set the course for an aggressive legislative agenda.

There might be some unexpected star wattage at New York Fashion Week next month, all to help raise funds for the people of Darfur.

“Ever since I was younger, when I’d get my pocket money, I’d go shopping.”

A brief look at some of the day’s stories.

Pressured by tough comparisons, unseasonable weather and a shift in shopping patterns, retailers reported soft December same-store sales.

There may be gift cards still tucked in consumers’ wallets and fragrance sets yet to be returned, but early results indicate the spoils of holiday beauty sales went to department stores.

Sales came later in the game than ever, but when all was said and done, prestige beauty had a decent holiday business.

MAC Cosmetics is once again dipping into the collective psyche by building its spring color story around the Barbie doll.

Romano Ricci might issue from the founding family of one of France’s most long-standing fragrance houses but his new brand is entirely of his own making.

Estee Lauder is feeling “beautiful” again, as the brand puts the finishing touches on the venerable scent’s new flanker, Beautiful Love.

L’Oreal Professionnel is declaring 2007 the year of Serie Expert, an estimated $85 million subbrand under the fifth largest professional hair care brand in the U.S.

Blow Styling Salon, the blowout hot spot in the Meatpacking District here, is planning to roll out its namesake product line and open new locations.

Crabtree & Evelyn is kicking off a collaboration with interior designer India Hicks with a body care and home fragrance line, Island Living.

Got2B is launching a new hair care line, Styl-tini, with scents designed after popular martinis.

Paris Hilton prepares for her entry into the apparel business with the launch of her young contemporary sportswear and lingerie lines for fall.

Pressured by tough year-over-year comparisons, unseasonable weather and a shift in holiday shopping patterns, retailers reported soft same-store sales for December.

Could Rupert Murdoch be among the moguls interested in buying the Tribune Co.?

Bebe Stores Inc. has tapped actress Eva Longoria to be the face of its Bebe Sport active apparel brand.

David Yurman opens today on Rodeo Drive with a 1,000-square-foot flagship and a new look for the company.

Rossignol is gaining momentum in its race to become a lifestyle brand.

Howard L. Green, a visionary in retail real estate site selection, died Dec. 19. He was 83 years old.

Ralph Pucci, best known for his expansive gallery for furniture, sculpture, rugs, lighting, photography, illustrations and mannequins, has a new venue for showcasing his eclectic mix.