Gap Acquires Athleta for $150 Million

Okay not sure how I feel about this. I was talking to my mom on the phone this morning and she had mention that there was a big merge between Gap and my beloved Athleta. I'm not sure of the ramifications but I'm still hoping there will be the yearly warehouse sale. Is that so wrong? This was published in the NY Post.

By STEPHANIE ROSENBLOOM
Published: September 22, 2008

Athleta sells yoga, running, skiing, snowboarding and surfing gear online and by catalog.
The acquisition will help Gap expand its share of the $31 billion women’s active apparel sector in the United States and greatly expand its online presence. Gap’s online sales rose to $905 million in 2007, from $595 million in 2005, a 52 percent increase.

Athleta merchandise will be available on Gap’s new Web site, which allows consumers to click through all of its labels — Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Piperlime — and pay one shipping fee.

“This strategic acquisition complements our brands perfectly and allows us to leverage our new online platform to expand into this significant retail sector,” said Glenn K. Murphy, Gap’s chairman and chief executive.

Joe Teno, Athleta’s chief executive, will remain as president of Athleta at Gap upon completion of the deal.

It will be a while, however, until consumers are able to shop for Athleta gear on Gap’s Web site. Louise Callagy, a spokeswoman for Gap, said the merchandise would not be online in time for this holiday season.

Tuesday nights at Berry Swirl Frozen Yogurt

Tuesdays have become my Berry Swirl nights and believe it or not I’m still really enjoying myself there. Eric and I continually have this conversation:

Eric: “How much longer are you going to work there?”
Mariah: “I don’t know.”
Eric: “Why do you like working there?”
Mariah: “I love being around the yogurt, eating yogurt after my shift, smelling the aroma of all the delicious toppings, and talking to the customers.”
Eric: “That’s so weird, but you’re real cute!”

Anyway, last Tuesday night was a great night because Brooke and the kids came in for a little visit and boy are they ever darling. Thanks for supporting BSFY!

Book Worm

This summer I read a ton of books and had such a nice time laying out in the hammock reading and reading and reading. One of the books I read this summer has really changed my prospective on life, it's called A New Earth. Shanny, one of my sweet friends, sent me this book for my birthday and I can't believe how much I've benefited.

The funny thing is that when I went home to visit my parents in August, I was telling my mom about this amazing book and the profound impact it has had on me. She was also telling me about a book she was reading and how much it has helped her. Come to find out mom and I have been reading the same book and had no idea. If you're ready for some self reflection and living in the moment, I think this book is worth reading.

Strike!

We went bowling last week for Jim’s birthday and had a fun time. However, Eric discovered a couple things about bowling this time, many of which I would have to agree with:

#1 He’s not a huge fan… why??? In the past and this time included he leaves with a blister on this finger…normal? I’m not sure? I’ve never gotten one.

#2 The typical bowling ally smell… 3 week old hot dogs… musty shoe smell, dirty restrooms, you know all the good stuff. However, I was stoked on my new pair of bowling shoes that were issued to me. Kind of cute!
#3 The usual crowd…enough said (This does not apply to Utah where it is usually a pretty family friendly event!). As you can see the ally wasn't packed though today!


#4 It's hard to throw a strike a lot harder than it looks.

#5 Don't go bowling with people who are really good, it shatters confidence :)