Ask the Author
Ask the Author gives you the chance to exchange business ideas and comments on the state of luxury retailing with Ira Neimark.
As Chairman and CEO of Bergdorf Goodman, Ira Neimark set records for the company over the 17 years of his leadership. He also distinguished himself in top management and merchandising posts at Neiman Marcus Group, B. Altman, Fox, Gladdings and Bonwit Teller.
Ira Neimark’s recent lectures on business strategies and the new luxury retailing landscape have been to students at Columbia Business School, Fashion Institute of Technology, and New York University’s Stern School of Business, where he is scheduled to return in Fall 2007. He has also addressed The Luxury Marketing Council and The Executive Forum, an affiliate of the NYU School of Business.
Ira Neimark is a Director of The Fashion Institute of Technology Foundation and Hermes of Paris, and was Adjunct Professor of Retail Marketing at the Columbia University Business School. Italy and France awarded him the prestigious Cavaliere Della Republica and the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters, respectively, as well as the Medal of the City of Paris.
(Note: The first blog entry will be October 19, and will probably begin with something like: I’ve just returned from the Barry Kaye College of Business at Florida Atlantic University, where I gave a lecture on…)
Dear Ira,
I understand that you are answering business questions. Let’s see if this comes through.
Jackie
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admin reply on November 28, 2007:
Dear Jacki,
I am trying to reply via this page insted of e-mail.
Ira
Comment by admin — November 28, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
Dear Ira,
A fabulous website as we knew you would have, and of course I am one of your book’s (and your) greatest admirers. It is a great source for your students!
Love, Annie
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Comment by Ann Cohen — December 8, 2007 @ 11:49 am
Hello Mr. Niemark,
I was one of the lucky ones at FAU to listen to your experiences and your wise words. I also read your book and it is very inspiring. What is your suggestion to someone who is planning to go into film & television production business?
Also, what is your opinion on fashion industry in India?
Thank You
- Naren
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Comment by Naren — December 13, 2007 @ 11:17 am
Dear Mr. Neimark,
I recently attended a conference at which you spoke. Unfortunately, I was not able purchase your book and obtain a personal signature, as there were none available. I do have a copy now. Would it be possible to get your signature?
Warm regards,
Abby Ludowise
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Abby Ludowise reply on February 12, 2008:
Dear Ira,
I just received the autographed copy of your book, and enjoyed it immensely. Thank you so much for the personalization. What an amazing experience the book recounts. And what a fascinating career! It truly contains a wealth of information. If you have any advice for those entering the upper-middle luxury market in watches, I would, of course, be grateful.
Very Warmest,
Abby Ludowise
Comment by Abby Ludowise — December 13, 2007 @ 7:41 pm
Dear Mr. Neimark,
First of all, it was such a honor to be able to be at your speech on November 30th for Timeless and meet you in person to have your autograph on your book.
I am taking a rest of your book with me to my upcoming vacation this week as I have read half way at this moment. Reading your book was as if I was watching a movie of it. It felt so real as they were that I could visualize I was watching a movie of it.
Most of all, thank you for sharing your great wisdom in the world of a retailing business and your amazing observation and sense not only in a business but also in people.
I am very much interested in a business part of this industry as much as creative and artistic side as a jewelry designer and I can not express enough to say “thank you” for a wonderful holiday gift, which it will be for me, to have been able to read your book.
I wish you and your family wonderful holidays and a great new year!
Warm wishes,
Norie Takano
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Comment by Norie Takano — December 16, 2007 @ 9:05 pm
Dear Ira,
I am looking forward to your talk at NYU on September 10.
IN
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Comment by admin — August 31, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
I first met you some time ago at one of the Luxury Marketing events. I listened to your inspirational presentation, bought your book and quoted you many times since.
Like you I started from scratch, 20 years ago when I arrived to New York from Europe, with no connections or support. I started my career at Macy’s Lancôme counter, as holiday help.
I have come a long way since. That often challenging path allows me, I believe, to appreciate your story of success that much more. I spent many years in retail environment working for prestigious skin care and fragrance companies and some 12 years ago made a transition to spa industry.
Spa industry, of course, has a many different aspect s, but it has been proven that retail plays a crucial role in any spas’ profitability. Due to very high and un-standardized labor and overhead costs, many spas that don’t have a successful retail facet have a slim chance of ever being profitable. Retail proves to be extremely challenging aspect of the spa business as owners have very little knowledge about the basic principles of retail.
In my current position as VP of Sales and Marketing for the largest Spa Marketing Company worldwide, I am in a unique position to share my retail knowledge with spa owners and operators at various educational seminars and the newsletters that I put together on regular basis.
So, thank you. Thank you for writing your inspiring book and sharing your wisdom and expertise with us. The fundamentals of successful retail that you write about, I happily share with people that are not familiar with the art of retailing and importance of supreme customer service rooted in knowledge and genuine interest. You have not only crossed 5th Avenue, but unwittingly you have bridged over to the spa industry as well.
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Comment by Milana Knowles — October 9, 2008 @ 1:47 pm