Fashion Industry Heavyweights Speak at MAGIC Marketplace

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- MAGIC continues to support the business of fashion by offering the industry's widest variety of resources – global brands from head-to-toe, all the latest trends, a new footwear event - FN Platform, and a forum for industry leaders to share key information, news and insights with their peers.

MAGIC's unique world-class seminar series offers Zappos' extraordinary CEO, Tony Hsieh discussing the critical role customer service plays in the corporate world.  NPD Group's world renowned analyst Marshal Cohen will explain how fashion businesses must forge ahead in this new decade. And if you're looking to expand global efficiency, you'll hear one of Obama's top Trade Reps, Gail Strickler, explain up-to-date information on free trade agreements.

Additional topics will be covered, including spring forecasting, global trends for product development, sustainability and "green" production, how to plan, merchandise and brand your business and more.  The full speaker lineup is impressive and can be seen at  http://www.magiconline.com/attendee/seminar-series/.  

Three key sessions not to be missed:

Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos

• Keynote Presentation – Delivering Happiness  
• Wednesday, Feb. 17th at 9am – Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N254

Under his leadership, Zappos has grown gross merchandise sales from $1.6M in 2000 to over $1 billion in 2008 by focusing relentlessly on customer service.  Tony will share his thoughts on establishing balance among four basic human needs: perceived progress, perceived control, relatedness, and a connection to a larger vision. While other innovators in the corporate world focus on creating more high tech gadgets, Tony prefers to focus on the human side of business.  

Prior to Zappos, Tony co-founded Venture Frogs and invested in Internet startups including Ask Jeeves, Tellme Networks, and of course, Zappos.com. He also co-founded LinkExchange, an advertising network that was successfully sold to Microsoft for $265M in 1998.

Marshal Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst, The NPD Group

• Keynote Presentation –  Welcome to the New World
• Tuesday, Feb. 16th at 3:30pm – Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N254

We have arrived at the beginning of a whole new world of fashion and retailing and it is driven by a new consumer. Marshal's new book "Buy Me!" says it's time to rid yourself of your old ideas, time to re-write the rules and harness the power of technology of all kinds.  Join Marshal as he guides us through this new world and leaves you with action-items that will help you re-write your rules and start new traditions.  

Marshal is a national expert on the retail industry and has followed retail trends for more than thirty years.  He is among the Footwear News Power 100 and is also one of the foremost authorities on consumer behavior as demonstrated in his book, Why Customers Do What They Do.  

Gail Strickler, Assistant US Trade Representative for the Office of Textiles,

• Panel Discussion, FREE TRADE: THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S OUTLOOK AND THE IMPACT ON YOUR SOURCING DECISIONS
• Wednesday, Feb. 17th at 11am – Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N254

As administrations change in Washington D.C., the impact on free trade agreements and negotiations affects production and sourcing decisions worldwide.  What can the industry look forward to during President Obama's presidency and what will the impact be on major industry players?

After 30 years in the textile and apparel industry, Strickler is now responsible for supervising negotiations affecting textile and apparel products, advising Ambassador Ron Kirk on textile and apparel trade policy matters and working to expand the industry's access to foreign markets.

Panelists also include Janet Fox, V.P. Director of Sourcing, JC Penney Corporation and Paula Zusi, E.V.P. /Chief Supply Chain Officer, Ann Taylor Inc.

About MAGIC

Every August and February, the fashion industry converges in Las Vegas for the most influential event in the business – the MAGIC Marketplace. The February 2010 MAGIC marketplace will run from February 16 – 18. For up-to-date exhibitor listings, seminar scheduling, travel support and registration information, please visit www.magiconline.com.

SOURCE MAGIC International