NPD Merges Luxury Tracking into Softlines Business

In the US, retail information firm the NPD Group is combining its luxury tracking services with its 'Softlines' unit, following the departure of luxury tracking President Fred Levin.

Previously an independent division, the luxury business tracks items such as watches, designer jewelry and diamonds. Moving it into the Softlines business group will allow a number of synergies with other tracking services covering apparel, footwear and accessories. In addition, NPD plans to introduce new retail channel tracking for watches and designer jewelry, and begin reporting volumetrics for diamonds. It will also move all luxury data to its web-based delivery tool, DecisionKey.

With this reorganization, Chris Case, VP, Diamonds, will continue to head that business; and Lori Monaco, President for NPD's Fashion Footwear and Accessories business, will oversee watches and designer jewelry. Both will report to the Softlines business Head Diane Nicholson (pictured), who comments: 'Luxury is one of the most dynamic segments of the fashion business today and integrating these services into our Softlines Sector will be good for NPD and for our clients. We're excited to have a number of initiatives underway, and look forward to continuing to provide the industry with the broadest and deepest view of their markets and their customers'.

Web site: www.npd.com .