A Correction to an earlier story on Pumpkin Patch closures...

The current known list of Pumpkin Patch stores closing is as follows:

Arizona:
Arrowhead Towne Center
Chandler
Paradise Valley
SanTan Village

California:
Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton

Colorado:
Cherry Creek
Flat Iron Crossing

Maryland:
Annapolis
Columbia

Texas:
Willow Bend in Plano
Dallas Galleria
Houston Galleria
Northstar in San Antonio
Willowbrook Mall

Virginia:
Tyson's Corners

Washington:
Tacoma

The original press release announced that there would be approximately 20 closures. FMC has only been able to confirm 14 closures to date.

Thanks to all those who helped contribute to this story and extra special thanks to alert reader Rebekah for alerting us to the inaccuracies of the previous list.

Happy Shopping
-The FMC Team

Pumpkin Patch Closes 19 stores in the US

As FMC first reported in April, Pumpkin Patch has in fact, decided to close many of their US stores. The company had only recently opened their 35 US locations, but now has decided to close 19 of them in hopes of cutting their once-projected 13-million-dollar loss.

Stores on the chopping block are currently in liquidation sales and include:

Galleria at Tyler- Riverside, Ca.

Main Place- Santa Ana, Ca.

Plaza Bonita- National City, Ca.

Westfield North County- Escondido, Ca.

Valley Fair- Santa Clara, Ca.

Westfield Galleria- Roseville, Ca.

Annapolis Mall- Annapolis, Md.

Dulles Town Center- Sterling, Va.

Topanga Plaza- Canoga Park, Ca.

Southcenter- Tukwila, Wa.

Glendale Galleria- Glendale, Ca.

Los Cerritos- Cerritos, Ca.

Westfield Santa Anita- Arcadia, Ca.

Westfield Sherman Oaks- Sherman Oaks, Ca.

Alderwood- Lynwood, Wa.

Westfield Valencia- Valencia, Ca.

South Bay Galleria- Redondo Beach, Ca.

Clackamas- Portland, Or.

Stonestown Galleria- San Francisco, Ca.

The fate of the remaining 16 stores is still unknown. The company has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the US and is reportedly in talks to liquidate all US and UK stores in the near future. No word yet on how that decision could affect http:www.pumpkinpatchusa.com web sales.

Pumpkin Patch is on FMC's watch list and we'll bring you and developments with this company.

Happy Shopping,

The FMC Team

Gap, Pumpkin Patch Recalling Coats

The consumer product and safety commission announced recalls this week of coats made by both Gap and Pumpkin Patch. Approximately 23,000 Gap toggled coats were recalled after it was found that the toggle buttons could detatch and pose a choking hazzard to small children. The coats were sold in Gap, Gap Kids and Baby Gap between October 2008 and April 2009. Coats came in 4 colors (Rose, Pink, Blue and Mojave) and sold up to size 24 months.  Consumers are asked to take the coats to any Gap branded store for a full refund. Additionally, a 20% off coupon will be given for all returns prior to August 31st of this year.

As mentioned above, Pumpkin Patch is also recalling coats. The chain is recalling approximately 800 hooded raincoats in sizes 2 through 10 sold between July 2008 and February 2009.  The drawstring on the hood is believed to pose a strangulation danger to children, though no incidents have been reported. Consumers are asked to either remove the drawstring or contact Pumpkin Patch for a full refund. 

 

Pumpkin Patch Set to Loose Millions in US Market

First NZ Capital has announced they believe NZ brand Pumpkin Patch will under perform in US Markets this year. Pumpkin Patch has been aggressive in their attempt to become a power in the US retail market- opening 35 stores in the states. While the brand is still performing strongly in NZ with profits this year of about $62 Million, the US expansion is expected to loose $14 Million. 

Sarndra Urlich, and analyst with NZ Capital believes that one-third of the US stores will never see a profit. She has gone on the record to say that if Pumpkin Patch were to close just these stores, their losses could be cut by more than $10 Million. Her main concern cited was the timing of the expansion- one which coincided with recession in the US, and what Urlich referred to as the "depressed retail landscape in the US".

This all comes about the day after the New York Division of Budget has released a report that lays out their belief that the economy could be stable and recovering between July and September of this year. If this report holds water, then we must believe that the projected losses could be mitigated by a rebound in the market.

Still, Pumpkin Patch has some tough hurdles in the US market. It cannot be denied that Pumpkin Patch has not made a dent to their competition here in the states. Their marketing seems to be non-existent, their website is difficult to navigate, and their markdowns are...well, not that good. On rack of last season's clothes, you can often find marked down prices on par with what the other mall retailers are charging for new styles (full price). Undoubtedly, Pumpkin Patch has some cute styles and nice quality, but the prices make it impossible to compete.

Fashionmomcafe.com has researched the issue and found that New Zealand (the home of Pumpkin Patch) does not currently have a free trade agreement with the United States. Talks have gone on for months now with New Zealand seeking an agreement similar to that between the United States and Australia, but as of this writing, none has been signed. Opening up free trade between the countries could potentially poise Pumpkin Patch to become a major player here in the states. Why? Because  New Zealand has a free trade agreement with China, which the US does not. That means that Pumpkin Patch can buy fabric from China MUCH cheaper than US companies can. In the US, textiles from China are heavily taxed and triffid. If New Zealand gets free trade with the US, it is possible that Pumpkin Patch can buy their textiles at less cost and then import products here at less cost, resulting in lower overhead and the ability to give the US market the markdowns that make their competitors such strong performers. 

Given all the factors, we are definitely putting Pumpkin Patch on our list of companies to watch. This is really a make or break time for them in the US and we hope they can pull it off!

Happy shopping!

-The FMC Team

The Big Sale Weekend...and some news about Janie & Jack Easter release date

As we've seen the last few months, tough economic times bring great deals for shoppers. The volume of fantastic sales this week is near overwhelming. There really is something from each brand and for every budget. Here is a quick rundown:

Gymboree is offering an extra 20% all previously reduced merchandise (not including Baby Sale items). Baby Sale is also still going on with price points of $10 and $20 for lines in Baby Girl, Baby Boy and Layette.

Crazy8 is also running a Baby Sale, but with lower price points ($4.99; $9.99 and $15.99). Their President's Day Sale boasts markdowns as low as $3.99 all weekend.

Janie & Jack is offering 20% off all sale items this weekend.

Gap is running a promotion of Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off on all denim. That sale is expected to last through next week.

Old Navy is running their Kids, Baby & Maternity sale with discounts up to 40% off. Maternity Sale is online only. Sweeten the deal with free shipping when you use the code: BABYMAT. Going in store? Ask at the registers for the Valentine cards for kids- When your child colors the one to Old Navy and returns it, they will be given a $5 off coupon!

Pumpkin Patch is promoting an additional 20% off clearance items as well as a Valentine Sweepstakes in store! Fill out the sweepstakes by February 16th for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Naartjie is doing their Kid's Cash promotion- Purchase $50 worth of merchandise and get $20 off another $50 purchase during their redemption period. The online store has free shipping on orders over $75, but you should try a store if you have one close to you- They just did AMAZING markdowns on all clearanced Spring Transition items!

Jacadi stores are not having a President's Day Sale, but they are offering an additional 20% off of already half priced winter merchandise.

The Children's Place is in their last week of the Monster Sale where previously reduced merchandise has been priced at price points of $4.99 and $5.99. However, staff this weekend is packaging up the merchandise and sending it to the outlets, so if you're going to go, go now!

Speaking of Outlets, The Children's Place Outlet is offering a sale of $4.99 for selected big boy and big girl items and $2.99 and $3.99 on baby items.

Gap Outlet is still holding their $10, $15 and $20 sale through the weekend. Expect the Baby Sale next Friday, the 20th with discounts of 20-40% off baby merchandise.

Gymboree Outlet has done some new markdowns on Spring 1 and older. New lines are coming into store Monday and will be including Aviator and Ice Cream Social. These lines WILL be included in the current Baby Sale which ends on the 22nd.

Janie & Jack Outlet is not offering a President's Day Sale, but they still have Season Finale merchandise available.

Finally, we have a release date for the beautiful Janie & Jack Easter lines everyone's been checking out on FMC for weeks. Those lines will be in store on Monday, February 23rd.

Happy shopping!
-The FMC Team