Politicians and business people have been trumpeting the need to get U.S. factories working again. Consumers acknowledge the reality that much of what used to be made in America has gone to factories elsewhere, but there seems to be a growing interest in brands that pursue the effort to keep making goods in the USA.

Even luxury brands such as Joseph Abboud, Brooks Brothers and Tiffany have joined the chorus in light of the fact that a number of surveys suggest that a majority of wealthy American consumers prefer buying American-made brands. Now Bayard Winthrop, a consumer goods and retail merchandising veteran, wants to capitalize on patriotic fervor.Continue reading...

American Apparel apparently isn’t happy enough to just stick with clothing. The manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of its own clothing lines has vastly expanded beyond cotton t-shirts. Expanding its make-up line, AA recently introduced nail polish and has now followed it up with its own collection of lip gloss.

With its acting president just quitting, the 22-year-old company is doing what it can these days to boost sales. It reported earlier this month a $7.2 million loss in the third quarter that ended Sept. 30, according to the Los Angeles Times. While that’s not good news, at least it wasn’t the $9.5 million lost in the same quarter in 2010.

Hoping to prove that when the going gets tough women pump up the lip color, AA's lip gloss will come in nine recession-busting colors, Apparel News reports, including the red-hued “Legalize LA” and pink-toned “Pantytime.”

“These are colors for everyone,” said Marsha Brady, the creatively-named creative director for American Apparel, according to Apparel News. “Over the last few months of color trials, employees were eager to see them and try them on, so we got to see how they performed on many different complexions. We’re really happy with how pretty and natural they look on everyone.”

The brand's controversy-seeking CEO and founder Dov Charney is, as you might imagine, pumped about the new line of lip gloss.Continue reading...

Alleghany to buy Transatlantic.

American Apparel acting president quits.

Apple leapfrogs Argos to become 2nd biggest online retailer in the U.K., as textbooks and photography tops its new product priorities and Grand Central NYC store prepares to open and iPhone 4S heads to China.

Berkshire Hathaway to invite Wall Street analysts to annual meeting for once as Warren Buffett, excited about Japan, says company could spend $10 billion on its next acquisition.

Best Buy sees shoppers in Florida camping out since last week for Black Friday.

Chevron accepts responsibility for oil spill off Brazil.Continue reading...

Netflix abruptly abandons plans to rent DVDs and kills Qwikster brand before it launches.

Disney CEO Bob Iger announces he will step down in 2015.

American Apparel finds new fans in Europe.

Apple iPhone pre-sale orders sell out, while overall iPhone sales may not be so rosy.

Chrysler plans to pare minivan offerings as part of brand rationalization and product-portfolio streamlining  as the company winds up talks with UAW.

Conde Nast to develop video and online content.Continue reading...

After China's fake Apple stores debacle, Apple moves to open real Apple store in prestigious Peking University library. (Not so fast, say officials.) And scoring two knock-offs in one, Chinese consumers are now being tempted with fake Converse sneakers bearing Apple's logo. They sell for about $5; click here for the fall lineup.

Below, check out legit branded kicks exclusively for the China market — Angry Birds sneakers! — and more.Continue reading...

Green Bay Packers defend title to win NFL kickoff game, while Bud Light kicks in as NFL sponsor, and Coors Light debuts new campaign.

President Obama presents $447 billion jobs stimulus plan to tough audience.

American Apparel search for plus-size models backfires.

Aquascutum among brands finding new life in China.

Bank of America could shed up to 40,000 jobs.

Facebook complaints can't get an employee fired, judge rules while site adds five languages.

John Galliano  found guilty in anti-racism case.

Glenn Beck launches web TV network.

Google details electricity usage.Continue reading...

The United States Postal Service is on the brink of financial collapse, reports the New York Times.

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz hosts political town hall on Tuesday.

Amazon.com tests a site redesign as founder Jeff Bezos sees spaceship misfire.

American Apparel is in talks to raise up to $160 million in financing.

Apple retains appeal without Steve Jobs, while iconic designer Jonathan Ive stays on.

Baidu launches app store.

China’s Bright Foods looks to Australia for growth.

Cisco is accused of abetting Chinese government in Falun Gong crackdown.

CW marketer Rick Haskins attracts attention with provocative campaigns.

Domino's Pizza wants to be the first fast food joint on the moon (offer only good in Japan).

Glee star Heather Morris criticized for domestic violence-themed photo shoot.

Google Doodle pays tribute to Queen's Freddy Mercury.Continue reading...

Tiger Woods loses $10 million Tag Heuer endorsement deal.

Groupon addresses accounting complaints as rivals fall by wayside.

Verizon hit by strike action affecting 45,000 workers.

Airbnb continues beefing up security.

Alexander McQueen show at New York's Metropolitan Museum breaks records in final weekend.

American Apparel expands ASOS partnership.

Bank of Scotland launches integrated campaign.Continue reading...