Berns Communications Group Unveils Business Developments Noted by Leading Retail/Merchandising Executives.

NEW YORK -- Much like the fashion world, the business environment dedicated to the merchandising sector is experiencing a transformation. Berns Communications Group, LLC, a business communications firm that works with business leaders in the retail and merchandising sector, today unveiled several significant business developments, trends and issues that are on the minds of senior management and are changing the face of the industry.

--The end of trade Quotas in 2005 will create a competitive trading market with vast opportunities for countries like China that were held to significant trade quota restrictions. The opening of this door will precipitate a true global market. Bruce Rockowitz, President of Li & Fung, the global leader in sourcing and supply chain management believes that as competitors seek to keep up, it will bring about more efficiency, better creative designs and ingenious products.

--Fashion companies are expressing their individual style in corporate real estate decisions, according to Laura Pomerantz, Principal of PBS Realty. And while 550 7th Avenue is still the premier designer address, new corporate deals this year for Theory in the meatpacking district, Marithe & Francois Girbaud at 475 10th Avenue and Ecko on 23rd Street all demonstrate that fashion companies are making investments in corporate real estate decisions that best reflect the brand, Pomerantz added.

--Mergers and Acquisition activity in the retail and apparel sector grabbed front-page headlines this year after Barneys, Dockers, Marshall Fields and Mervyns announced plans to sell. Expect more consolidation amongst the smaller players as the biggest branded players expand their operations through strategic acquisitions, according to Gilbert W. Harrison, Chairman of Financo, Inc.

--Fashion companies like Nicole Miller moving into home furnishings is one factor pumping new energy into the sector. And as proprietary brands like Target's Simply Shabby Chic continue to launch at the retail level, look to former leading brand names like Royal Velvet and Cannon to reemerge as important brands in the industry. Also watch for new store concepts like Dry Ice, a growing home furnishings specialty retailer catering to the 12 to 17 year old girl.

--Collaboration amongst retailers and their manufacturing partners has emerged as a leading issue and call for change, particularly amongst mass merchants and grocery chains, according to a recent Archstone Consulting study. The study revealed a disconnect between the priorities of both partners and a shared desire for stronger, more profitable relationships, according to Dave Sievers, who directed the study for Archstone Consulting.

--As the holiday season takes center stage as a hot topic in retail, Saks Fifth Avenue promises a brighter season in New York as its flagship windows become illuminated in 20-foot dancing snowflakes. And just as no two snowflakes are alike, Saks continues to celebrate elegance and individuality, integrating its snowflake motif throughout its holiday packaging, shopping bags, catalogues and select merchandise.

About Berns Communications Group, LLC (BCG)

Berns Communications Group is a business communications firm providing companies with corporate/financial public relations expertise that helps raise the visibility and stature of its clients by articulating and promoting a well-defined market position. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.bcg-pr.com.