Assurance
Ronald Friedman is a partner and co-leader in the Firm's National Retail & Consumer Products Industry group. He provides consulting services for closely held and emerging businesses in the apparel, manufacturing, distribution and retail industries.
Mr. Friedman works very closely with his clients, providing assistance with many aspects of their businesses. His services include forecasting and budgeting, profit enhancement, succession planning, exit strategies, preparation for sale of a business, assistance in procuring financing, and workout and reorganization consulting. Mr. Friedman's expertise also includes assisting in the negotiations for the purchase or sale of a business.
For more than 30 years, Mr. Friedman has served as an expert witness in numerous apparel industry cases, ranging from valuations in divorce proceedings to disputes between partners in business dealings.
He is often quoted in the media for his industry expertise with retail, manufacturing and distribution-driven companies in the retail/consumer products sector. His recent appearances include television (FOX and PBS), radio (KFWB, Bloomberg Radio and the Wall Street Journal Radio Network) and print (Apparel News, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Women's Wear Daily).
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
- City of Hope
- Apparel Industries Group, Board of Directors
- Professions and Finance Associates, Past President
- California State University, Northridge
- University Corporation, Board of Directors
- College of Business Administration Economics, Dean's Council of Business Advisors
- College of Accounting Department, Dean's Council of Business Advisors
- National Jewish Hospital, Board of Directors
- Temple Ahavat Shalom in Northridge, Past President
- "April Retail Sales Numbers" Interview on Bloomberg Radio Program
- 100 Ways™ The Profit Enhancement Process
- Facilitation of Retreats for Professional Service Firms & Other Businesses
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Inventory Valuations and Auditing
- Reading and Understanding Financial Statements
- Internal Controls for Business Entities
Forecasting & Budgeting
Succession Planning
Exit Strategies
Workouts & Reorganizations
Purchase & Sale of Businesses
Litigation Support
Apparel
Manufacturing & Distribution
E-Commerce
Retail & Consumer Products
Bachelor of Science, Accounting
California State University, Northridge
Related News
July 31, 2019
As Seen In
The Seattle Times quoted Retail Co-Leader Ronald Friedman in an article about the Nordstrom family’s efforts to repurchase the company.
Fifteen months after a failed bid to buy all of their namesake company, the Nordstrom family may try again to gain majority control of the ....
July 14, 2019
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times quoted co-Retail Leader Ronald Friedman in a story about the troubles facing Forever 21.
Forever 21 reportedly is now in financial trouble and developing restructuring plans in hopes of avoiding a possible sale or bankruptcy.
May 30, 2019
As Seen In
California Apparel News quoted Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman in an article about how the demise of Dressbarn underscores the need for new manufacturing business models.
The recent announcement that Dressbarn was closing its chain of 650 stores drove home the growing dilemma for U.S. apparel manufacturers. There are just fewer ....
May 19, 2019
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times quoted Retail Group Leader Ronald Friedman in an article about the consumer impact of tariffs on Chinese imports.
Major retailers are sounding the alarm: The U.S.-China trade battle could be coming to a mall near you in the form of higher prices in ....
May 16, 2019
As Seen In
California Apparel News reported on the 2019 Marcum Retail Symposium, held in Los Angeles May 9.
The future of retail is looking like a chapter out of a science-fiction novel.
May 01, 2019
As Seen In
Fashion Mannuscript featured the upcoming 2019 Marcum Retail Symposium on the cover of the May issue.
Spring has arrived in Southern California, and the excitement is just starting.
March 31, 2019
As Seen In
Retail Group Co-Leader Ronald Friedman wrote about changes in the online retail sector for the March issue of Fashion Mannuscript.
Retail has been performing well after a strong 2018, with a record-breaking holiday season followed by continued growth in 2019.
February 07, 2019
As Seen In
KMOX-AM News Radio in St. Louis interviewed Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman for a story about the changing retail landscape.
KMOX-AM News Radio in St. Louis interviewed Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman for a story about the changing retail landscape.
January 31, 2019
As Seen In
Retail Group Co-Leader Ronald Friedman wrote a year in review of how the retail industry fared in 2018, for Fashion Mannuscript.
Black Friday is one of the leading indicators as to how a given year turns out for retailers.
December 27, 2018
As Seen In
California Apparel News quoted Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman in a year-end holiday shopping wrap-up.
Sales for the 2018 holiday season were the strongest they have been in the past six years, rising 5.1 percent over last year's holiday sales ....
November 29, 2018
As Seen In
California Apparel News quoted Retail Co-Leader Ron Friedman in a review of Black Friday results.
While more than 165 million Americans shopped online or in stores during the Black Friday weekend - which now extends from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber ....
November 23, 2018
As Seen In
The Huffington Post quoted Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman in a 5-part series on the reinvention of retail in America.
As more consumer spending moves online, the stores left behind will go luxury or go out of business.
November 08, 2018
As Seen In
The Washington Examiner quoted Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman in an article about the upcoming holiday shopping season.
Retailers are stocking their shelves to meet blockbuster holiday-shopping demand fueled by U.S. economic growth while preparing for slower sales next year as President Trump's ....
October 15, 2018
As Seen In
California Apparel News quoted co-Retail Leader Ronald Friedman in an article about the closing of remaining National Stores locations.
After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August, National Stores announced it is holding store-closing sales at its remaining 184 locations.
September 19, 2018
As Seen In
Professional boxer Shawne Merriman told Sports Business Daily that he holds business meetings for his Lights Out brand at Marcum's Los Angeles office, where his Marcum advisors can sit in.
My financial company, Marcum LLP, is a big accounting firm but they huge companies over there as clients, so I'll hold most of my meetings ....
July 30, 2018
As Seen In
TheStreet quoted Partner Ron Friedman on worker compensation in California.
Money will come in two ways, as extra pay for employees and as settlements, and as expenses connected to lawsuits against non-compliant companies.
June 05, 2018
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times quoted Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman in an article about the death of fashion designer Kate Spade.
"She had a tremendous reputation and was very well known for a variety of high-quality products," said Ronald Friedman, co-head of the retail practice at ....
May 09, 2018
As Seen In
TheStreet quoted Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman in an article about the demise of Sears.
The approaching end of Sears has been well documented and that slow burn should continue. As Sears Holdings Corp. stages its annual meeting on Wednesday, ....
April 29, 2018
As Seen In
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch quoted Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman in an article about the transitioning of malls in St. Louis.
Shopping malls across the country are in a state of transition, and it doesn't take long to see the trend playing out here.
April 26, 2018
As Seen In
California Apparel News reported from the 2018 Marcum Retail Symposium in Los Angeles on April 19.
Accounting and advisory firm Marcum LLP produced the symposium to chart how fashion and retail are navigating tough markets. Speakers discussed subjects encompassing retail, fashion, ....
April 24, 2018
As Seen In
Forbes Contributor Richard Kestenbaum cited the Marcum Retail Symposium in his column about online eyeglass retailing.
Today's edgy is tomorrow's mainstream. Ideas that feel too advanced today will reach mass adoption sooner than expected. When that happens in the online eyeglass ....
April 19, 2018
As Seen In
California Apparel News quoted Retail & Consumer Products Co-Leader Ron Friedman in an article about taxes, tariffs and trade.
Lately, the apparel and retail world has been centered around three Ts: taxes, tariffs and trade. Tax cuts are part of the positive in this ....
April 06, 2018
As Seen In
TheStreet.com quoted Ron Friedman, co-leader of the Retail & Consumer Products group, in a look at the state of business for Victoria's Secret.
In recent years, Victoria's Secret has faltered from being up 6.5% in sales in January 2016 to down 5.5% in January 2018, owing in part ....
March 30, 2018
As Seen In
Fashion Mannuscript featured team members from Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products group, followed by a special report from group Co-Leader Ronald Friedman discussing the current state of the retail market and the upcoming Marcum Retail Symposium.
Retail has been weak for many years, but we finally saw some light at the end of last year. Sales for the holiday season were ....
March 22, 2018
Press Release
2018 Marcum Retail Symposium: April 19 in Los Angeles
The 2018 Marcum Retail Symposium will provide retailers, factors, merchandisers, manufacturers, distributors, investors, mall operators, and service providers with insight from some of the industry’s ....
March 17, 2018
As Seen In
The Seattle Times interviewed Retail & Consumer Products Co-Leader Ron Friedman about the future of malls in America.
The retail model of car-centered shopping malls and large, multibrand stores continues to crumble, as the merging of digital and physical sales channels exacts its ....
January 24, 2018
As Seen In
TheStreet.com interviewed Retail Group Leader Ron Friedman for a special report on the likelihood of a bankruptcy filing by Sears.
It's a matter of when, not if, some experts say. It refers to when Sears Holdings Corp. declares bankruptcy, which inches closer by the day. ....
December 04, 2017
As Seen In
CNN-Money quoted Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman in an article about how some store chains are thriving while the sector as a whole continues to suffer.
A record number of stores have closed this year, and Wikipedia added an entry for "retail apocalypse." But some retailers have staved off pressure from ....
November 21, 2017
As Seen In
Market researcher Morning Consult spoke with Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman about the dichotomy between what consumers say and how they actually behave when it comes to purchasing goods that are "Made In America."
U.S. consumers are willing to pay more for "Made in America" goods, according to a recent nationwide survey.
November 21, 2017
As Seen In
MLive.com asked Retail Co-Leader Ron Friedman for his view on mall shopping this holiday season.
The retail world is geared up for the holiday shopping season, the make-or-break time of year for many stores. And they're working hard to lure ....
November 20, 2017
As Seen In
Associated Press quoted Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman in a story about holiday retail sales outlook.
The online retailer now has more than a dozen Amazon Books stores, which also sell toys, electronics and small gifts. Kohl's has carved out space ....
November 17, 2017
As Seen In
Bloomberg News spoke with Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman about whether Sears's discounting strategy will work to reverse a severe sales slump.
Sears Holdings Corp., reeling from billions in losses and sputtering mall traffic, is increasingly turning to a time-honored retail tactic: putting everything on sale.
November 16, 2017
As Seen In
MLive.com interviewed Retail Co-Leader Ron Friedman about the struggles facing Kmart and Sears.
It's not a secret that Sears and Kmart continue to struggle. Their parent company, Sears Holdings, recently announced its financial performance. The theme appeared to ....
November 09, 2017
As Seen In
CBS television interviewed Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman about the closure of a local Macy's and the implications for the retail industry.
CBS television interviewed Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman about the closure of a local Macy's and the implications for the retail industry.
November 09, 2017
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times quoted Partner Ron Friedman, co-leader of the Retail & Consumer Products Practice, in an article about the closing of three California Macy's stores.
Macy's Inc. plans to close its store at Los Angeles' Westside Pavilion mall, as well as two others in California, the retail giant said Thursday ....
November 09, 2017
As Seen In
TheStreet spoke with Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman about the U.S.'s China trade policies.
All eyes in retail will be on how President Donald J. Trump handles trade with China, as he travels through Asia this week.
October 21, 2017
As Seen In
The Telegraph of London quoted Retail Services Co-Leader Ron Friedman in an article about the decline of U.S. shopping malls in the face of heated competition from e-tailers.
Given the ferocity of winters in Minnesota, it was perhaps inevitable that the state would host Americas first climate- controlled indoor shopping mall.
October 16, 2017
As Seen In
Oregonlive.com quoted Partner Ron Friedman in a story about the updating of an aging mall into an entertainment venue.
To remain relevant in the age of online shopping, he said, malls must completely change their mission, serving not as hubs for shopping, but for ....
August 11, 2017
As Seen In
Moneyish interviewed Partner Ron Friedman for an article about Ivanka Trump's new brick-and-mortal retail venture.
About two years after quietly closing her boutique in New Yorks SoHo neighborhood, Ivanka Trump is opening another brick-and-mortar destination for her eponymous fashion line. ....
July 31, 2017
As Seen In
The Puget Sound Business Journal interviewed Partner Ron Friedman about Starbucks' decision to close its Teavana retail brand.
It has been a tough year for malls around the country with announcements of more store closures everywhere you look. The latest is Starbucks' announcement ....
July 30, 2017
As Seen In
The San Jose Mercury News quoted Partner Ron Friedman in an article about the state of mall shopping in California's Bay Area.
It's mid-summer in the Bay Area. Do you know where your teenagers are? Well I don't know either, but one thing's sure, they're not at ....
July 20, 2017
As Seen In
Time magazine quoted Partner Ron Friedman in a feature story about the demise of American shopping malls.
This year alone, more than 8,600 stores could close, according to industry estimates, many of them the brand-name anchor outlets that real estate developers once ....
July 17, 2017
As Seen In
NBCNews.com interviewed Partner Ron Friedman, co-leader of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products Practice group, about Target's new apparel strategy.
In an attempt to stay off the endangered species list, embattled retailer Target is shaking things up in its fashion department.
July 14, 2017
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Daily News quoted Partner Ron Friedman in a story about the liquidation of bridal retailer Alfred Angelo.
Alfred Angelo, one of the worlds largest manufacturers and retailers of wedding gowns, closed all 60 of its U.S. stores as it filed for Chapter ....
June 21, 2017
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times interviewed Partner Ron Friedman about Amazon's new retail service, Amazon Prime Wardrobe.
Amazon can't provide a fitting room for trying on that new pair of jeans before purchasing them, but a new feature for Amazon Prime members ....
June 15, 2017
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times interviewed Partner Ron Friedman about the recent slide in retail sales.
Americans cut spending at gas stations, department stores and electronics shops in May as retail sales registered their biggest drop in 16 months, a cautionary ....
June 13, 2017
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times interviewed Retail Services Co-Leader Ron Friedman for an article about the restructuring of mall retailing.
Consumers' increasing enthusiasm for buying online claims more retail victims every week.
May 31, 2017
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times interviewed national Retail Group Co-Leader Ron Friedman about the projected loss of a quarter of all U.S. shopping malls by 2022.
Between 20% and 25% of the nation's shopping malls will close in the next five years, according to a new report from Credit Suisse that ....
April 07, 2017
As Seen In
Partner Ron Friedman discussed the decline of retail malls and the changing retail business model with How Stuff Works.
The demise of mall-based retail brands started in 2008, when the economic downturn claimed 20 major retail bankruptcies in a single year.
March 24, 2017
As Seen In
The Puget Sound Business Journal interviewed Retail Practice Co-Leader Ron Friedman about retailers' struggle to compete with online merchants.
Annual financial results are in from all of the Seattle-area's publicly traded retailers, and they offer a clearer picture of what brick-and-mortar retailers are facing ....
March 23, 2017
As Seen in
California Apparel News published a cover story on the first annual Marcum Retail Symposium, held in Los Angeles on March 16.
There are 26 square feet of retail for every man, woman and child in the United States, according to a statistic quoted by Robin Lewis, ....
March 20, 2017
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times interviewed Partner Ron Friedman, national leader of the Retail Services Practice, about bankruptcy trends in the industry.
Faced with seismic changes, bankruptcies in the retail sector have been on the rise.
January 01, 2017
As Seen In
Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products group was the cover feature in the January issue of Fashion Mannuscript
The retail and consumer products industry is facing tremendous challenges, with fewer and fewer brick-and-mortar stores in operation and ceaseless pressure on discounted sales and ....
December 22, 2016
As Seen In
Fashion Mannuscript reported on Partner Ron Friedman's Apparel Industry Award.
Marcum Partner Ronald Friedman Wins 2016 Apparel Industry Award
December 20, 2016
Press Release
Marcum Partner Ronald Friedman Wins 2016 Apparel Industry Award
Ronald Friedman, an Assurance Services partner at Marcum LLP, was honored as Professional Service Provider of the Year at the Los Angeles Business Journal 2016 ....
December 08, 2016
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times quoted Partner Ron Friedman in an article about deceptive retail pricing strategies.
The kind of pricing tactics described in the lawsuits are endemic to the retail industry today, Friedman said. Savvy shoppers, however, have become used to ....
September 01, 2016
As Seen In
Security magazine interviewed Partner Ron Friedman for an article about retail loss prevention.
Retail theft is a billion-dollar enterprise riding a steady upward trend. It requires adoption of all available tools and technologies and an intimate understanding of ....
August 12, 2016
As Seen In
CNBC interviewed Partner Ron Friedman about retail pricing strategies.
The sky isn't falling. But that doesn't mean the department store space has suddenly been healed.
July 29, 2016
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times asked Partner Ron Friedman for his thoughts about the declining Los Angeles jewelry market.
Jewelry manufacturing in the district slowed in the 2000s, and since the 2008 recession, many sellers have struggled to survive in an industry whose lifeblood is ....
July 28, 2016
As Seen In
California Apparel News spoke with Partner Ron Friedman about the state of the retail industry.
Even though more people have jobs, wages are rising and gas prices are low, retailers have struggled this year to keep sales churning. Several big chains ....
July 25, 2016
As Seen In
Partner Ron Friedman discussed the challenge facing Nordstrom to position itself for a rebound.
In mid-August of last year, warning signs at the Seattle headquarters of Nordstrom Inc. first became apparent.
Up to that point, the upscale apparel ....
July 25, 2016
As Seen In
Partner Ron Friedman discussed the challenge facing Nordstrom to position itself for a rebound with the Los Angeles Times.
In mid-August of last year, warning signs at the Seattle headquarters of Nordstrom Inc. first became apparent.
June 21, 2016
As Seen In
Partner Ron Friedman was quoted by the Los Angeles Times in a story about trends in retail malls to meet the demands of today's online-savvy shoppers.
Hoping to draw big spenders and compete with high-end malls, Universal Studios has announced plans for the first major face-lift of its shopping and dining ....
April 18, 2016
As Seen In
National Retail & Consumer Products Leader Ron Friedman discussed the rise of concept stores with Fortune magazine.
Lululemon Athletica's core focus for nearly 20 years can be summed up neatly: it sold apparel meant to function in the world of sweat. Geared ....
March 18, 2016
As Seen In
CNBC.com talked with Retail Practice Leader Ron Friedman about the state of business for teen retailers.
Any late '90s or early 2000s teen is familiar with the sense of "cool" they felt when wearing an Abercrombie & Fitch-branded tee, or while ....
February 17, 2016
As Seen In
The Los Angeles Times quoted Assurance Partner Ron Friedman, national leader of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products group, in an article about the upgrading of the Beverly Center shopping mall.
Malls have typically undergone occasional face-lifts to remain relevant to shoppers, but now these changes are crucial, analysts said. Many shopping centers must ....
January 19, 2016
As Seen In
CNBC quotes Ron Friedman, national leader of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products group, in an article about online holiday sales.
It wasn't all bad for retailers this holiday season.
January 15, 2016
As Seen In
Ron Friedman, national leader of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products practice, was quoted in a CNBC article discussing how retailers who continually discount will suffer in 2016.
The National Retail Federation said Friday that holiday sales increased 3 percent to $626.1 billion in November and December, falling short of the trade group's ....
January 08, 2016
As Seen In
Ron Friedman, national leader of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products group, was quoted by the Los Angeles Times in an article about the outlook for retailers.
Macy's poor holiday showing could be an early sign of trouble for the retail industry.
January 06, 2016
As Seen In
Women's Wear Daily quotes Ron Friedman, national leader of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products group, about calculating fair market value.
The clock is ticking for Iconix Brand Group Inc. and its previous top management, led by former chief executive officer Neil Cole. The company has ....
December 30, 2015
As Seen In
Assurance Partner Ron Friedman, national leader of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products group, was quoted in CNBC's article, "A $500M hit and a bleak forecast for retail."
Unseasonably warm temperatures have already caused specialty apparel retailers to lose more than $500 million in sales this holiday season.
December 18, 2015
As Seen In
Associated Press quotes Assurance Partner Ron Friedman, head of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products group, in article about slow holiday sales.
The unseasonably warm weather has left some people feeling cold about holiday shopping.
December 12, 2015
As Seen In
Assurance Partner Ron Friedman, head of Marcum's Retail group, discusses the folding of retail chain Kitson with the Los Angeles Times.
Back in Kitson's heyday, paparazzi staked out the boutique chain to snap photos of tabloid-fodder shoppers like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton.
November 23, 2015
As Seen In
CNBC quotes Ron Friedman, national leader of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products group, in "The Biggest Threat to Retail Sales Growth" article.
Millions of shoppers will fight through tryptophan-induced comas and head to the stores on Thanksgiving Day, or set their alarms for daybreak on Black Friday. ....
November 20, 2015
As Seen In
CNBC quotes Ron Friedman, national leader of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products group, in "High Stakes for These Retailers this Holiday Season" article.
For the retailers that have been knocking on death's door, this holiday shopping season has taken on an added sense of urgency.
October 27, 2015
As Seen In
USA Today Quotes Ron Friedman, Co-Leader of Marcum's Retail & Consumer Products Group, in "Black Friday" Article.
Outdoor gear and sporting goods retailer REI is canceling Black Friday this year. No promotions, no hourly sales, no doorbusters, no waiting in line.
October 26, 2015
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in CNBC Article, "The Latest Retailer to Join Discount Deluge."
Lord & Taylor on Monday became the latest department store to throw its hat into the off-price ring, saying it plans to open its first ....
August 05, 2015
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Fortune Article, "Lowe's Renovates Retail Strategy with New Manhattan Stores."
Lowe's Home Improvement is entering the competitive Manhattan retail market for the first time this summer with the opening of two new stores, a move ....
July 14, 2015
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in LA Times Article, "New CEO to Succeed Paul Marciano at Guess."
Los Angeles fashion firm Guess Inc., known for its tight jeans and beach babe models, is replacing co-founder Paul Marciano with a new chief executive ....
May 20, 2015
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in CBSNews.com Article, "5 Obstacles to a Walmart Turnaround."
Douglas McMillon has urged investors to be patient as he has tried to turn around Walmart's (WMT) financial fortunes ever since he was named CEO ....
April 16, 2015
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in LA Times Article, "Frederick's of Hollywood Closes All Stores, Strips Down to Web."
Frederick's of Hollywood Group Inc., a Los Angeles lingerie brand that struggled to compete with rival Victoria's Secret, has closed all of its stores and ....
April 02, 2015
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in California Apparel News Article, "The U.S. Dollar Is on Fire: The Pros and Cons for U.S. Apparel Manufacturers."
The U.S. dollar is sailing at a 12-year high. A strong greenback means that if you travel overseas, hotels and restaurant dinners are cheaper. It ....
March 11, 2015
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Fortune Article "Lululemon Family Launches "Technical Cashmere" Brand -- and It's Selling"
Ron Friedman, a retail consultant for accounting and advisory firm Marcum LLP, touts the Kit and Ace strategy as the "future of apparel."
February 23, 2015
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Business Journal Supplement, Consumer Goods & Retail Roundtable
The world of consumer goods and retail has been heating up and has clearly become one of the fastest growing and most vibrant business sectors ....
January 07, 2015
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "Struggling Retailer Wet Seal to Shut 338 Stores."
Orange County retailer Wet Seal Inc. pioneered the quick translation of Southern California's beachy lifestyle into fashions for young women. But now it is trying ....
January 05, 2015
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Women's Wear Daily Article "Bright Spots Seen in U.S. Economy."
Not too hot and not too cold.
That's the so-called Goldilocks economy, where it's not so hot there's inflation risk and not so cold ....
December 28, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "Bullish Holiday Shoppers are Eager to Spend."
Holiday shoppers were back in force Friday, clutching gift cards, searching for deals, returning unwanted presents and feeling pretty good about the year ahead.
December 22, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Associated Press Article, "Sales for Holiday Shopping Season Comes Down to the Wire."
Despite an early start, sales data provided to The Associated Press shows that stores may once again have to rely on procrastinators to save the ....
November 28, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article, "Shoppers Scooping Up Deals on Black Friday After Thanksgiving Bargain Hunt."
Lines at some stores began forming early Thursday as consumers eschewed Thanksgiving dinner with an eye toward wolfing down discounted merchandise at any of approximately ....
November 23, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article, "Black Friday Highlights the Contrast Between Rich and Poor."
Discounters and mid-priced chains, eager to gain an edge on competitors for limited gift budgets, have again moved their opening times earlier into Turkey Day, ....
November 08, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Fortune Article "Does Eddie Bauer's Path to Growth Lead Through Urban Areas?"
Eddie Bauer's outwear is meant for active enthusiasts to pursue the great, open outdoors. But the company's future growth may rest on the shoulders of ....
October 13, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Fortune Article, "5 Things the Next J.C. Penney CEO Will Absolutely Have To Do."
Marvin Ellison has his work cut out for him, needing to re-think everything from store-count to merchandising. After a year-long search, J.C. Penney finally named a ....
September 07, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Fortune Article, "Midwestern Grandmas are Your Prime Back-to-School Bargain Shoppers"
Retailers like Macy's, Gap, and Abercrombie & Fitch predictably trumpet their Labor Day discounts. But who exactly listens?
August 26, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Fox Business Article, "Can Back-to-School Sales Predict the Holiday Shopping Season?"
The verdict is still out on back-to-school sales, causing retailers' to hold their collective breaths.
August 22, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Fortune Article, "Jordan Helps Foot Locker Score a Slam Dunk."
Sales of basketball and running sneakers continued to bolster Foot Locker's results, with demand from those that use the gear to play those sports and ....
August 15, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in NPR Article, "Back-To-School Shoppers: Hunting for Tax Breaks and Bargains."
For millions of Americans, August is a month for relaxing and basking in the summer sunlight. Those are the people without children.
The households ....
May 22, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Fortune Article, "Weather a Popular Scapegoat as Retailers Disappoint."
Executives at some of the top U.S. retailers have leaned on a familiar scapegoat as they unpack why first-quarter sales have broadly missed Wall Street's ....
January 02, 2014
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Women's Wear Daily Article, "IPO Fever to Continue in 2014."
If 2013 was a watershed year in the initial public offering cycle, then 2014 could see more firms eyeing the stock market.According to IPO investment ....
December 20, 2013
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "Affordable Luxury Brands Are Booming in Popularity"
Bets on the top-performing retailer this holiday don't favor the storied haute couture companies — not Chanel with its $4,500 handbags, nor Neiman Marcus and ....
December 05, 2013
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Associated Press Article "L Brands, Costco Report Weak November Sales"
Costco Wholesale Corp. and Victoria's Secret parent L Brands Inc. were among a handful of retailers that posted weak sales in November on Thursday.
December 02, 2013
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in NPR Article "Sluggish Start To Holiday Sales May Mean More Price Cuts"
Despite retailers offering Thanksgiving hours and more online sales, Americans still nervous about the economy spent less this long weekend than they did last year, ....
December 01, 2013
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Reuters Article "Holiday Weekend Sales Dip On Discounts; E-Commerce Jumps"
Heavy discounting took a toll on U.S. retail sales during the Thanksgiving weekend as shoppers spent almost 3 percent less than they did a year ....
August 20, 2013
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Featured in BuzzFeed Business Article "a J.C. Penney Hits Reset to Before Former CEO's Arrival"
J.C. Penney reported its second-quarter results today, and the biggest takeaway was that it's essentially hitting the undo button on former CEO Ron Johnson's tenure.
July 02, 2013
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Marcum LLP's Merger with WilsonMorgan LLP Featured in Long Island Business News Article "Marcum Adds WilsonMorgan in California"
One of the nation's largest accounting firms, Marcum LLP is merging Irvine, Calif.-based WilsonMorgan into its business, adding five partners and 30 staff to its ....
July 02, 2013
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Marcum LLP's Merger with WilsonMorgan LLP Featured in Accounting Today Article "WilsonMorgan to Merge into Marcum"
WilsonMorgan LLP has agreed to merge into Top 100 Firm Marcum LLP's Southern California practice.
June 24, 2013
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Featured in Los Angeles Business Journal Roundtable Discussion: "The Business of Accounting"
As our economy continues its perpetual evolution and experiences its climbs and dips, the Los Angeles Business Journal turned to some of the leading accountants ....
April 13, 2013
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in The New York Times Article "Sometimes, We Want Prices to Fool Us"
When the board of J.C. Penney ousted its chief executive, Ron Johnson — news that broke last Monday — you might say it was, in ....
April 09, 2013
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Associated Press Article "Penney CEO's Challenge: Can it be Fixed?"
There won't be an easy fix for J.C. Penney — if it can be fixed at all.
February 27, 2013
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Reuters Article "J.C. Penney Sales Plunge, Much Worse Than Expected"
J.C. Penney Co Inc (JCP.N) reported sales at stores open at least a year fell 31.7 percent in the fourth quarter, a much worse-than-expected plunge ....
February 14, 2013
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Forbes Article "Valentine's Day 2013: What's Behind This $18.6 Billion Holiday"
Comparing a sweetheart to a summer's day may be one of the last pieces of lovemaking available without a price tag.
February 07, 2013
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in the Associated Press Article "The Devil is in the Deals"
Americans shopped the winter clearance racks in January, resulting in strong sales during the month for retailers. But spending is expected to slow as the ....
January 11, 2013
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "Best Buy Stock Leaps 16% on Holiday-Season Results"
Shares of Best Buy Co. jumped more than 16% after the electronics giant had a better-than-expected showing during the crucial holiday season.
January 04, 2013
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in WWD.com Article "Stronger Growth Expected in Second Half"
For pessimists who view the glass as half empty, plenty.
December 22, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Reuters Article "Modest Discounts, Fiscal Cliff Deter Last-Minute Shoppers"
Retailers may not see a sales surge this weekend as ho-hum discounts and fears about imminent tax hikes and cuts in government spending give Americans ....
November 23, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Dow Jones Article "Retailers May Be Heading Towards Holiday Cliff"
So far, so good. Parking lots are filled, malls are packed, and customers are finding waits at checkout lines.
November 22, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Christian Science Monitor Article "Black Friday: Boutiques Open at Midnight? How 'Little Guys' Try to Compete"
From midnight on Thanksgiving night until 3 a.m., Julia Dvir's store, "The Closet," will further discount her jewelry, hats, belts, and purses (already 40-60 percent ....
November 08, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "Wal-Mart to Offer Black Friday Deals Earlier on Thanksgiving"
Retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is kicking off its Black Friday deals earlier than ever, as more stores open their doors for holiday deals even before shoppers have polished ....
October 12, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "99 Cents Only Eyes Beverly Hills Location"
Discount chain 99 Cents Only Stores Inc. is shopping on Rodeo Drive.
October 06, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "RETAIL; Takeover at Teen Clothier Wet Seal; The Chairman and Four Board Members are Ousted in a Coup Led by an Inves
In a swift overhaul, top officials of troubled teen clothier Wet Seal Inc. -- including the chairman -- were ousted and replaced by board members handpicked ....
October 04, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in BloombergBusinessweek Article "U.S. Retailers' September Sales Top Estimates"
U.S. retailers' September same-store sales topped analysts' estimates, led by discount and specialty-apparel chains that benefited from back-to-school shopping, while department stores trailed projections.
October 04, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in MarketWatch Article "Retailers' Miss Raises Holiday Concern"
U.S. retailers' September comparable store sales slowed from the summer trend, heightening the stakes for how the upcoming holiday season will play out.
August 10, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in CNBC.com Article "Parents' New Nightmare: "The Basics' Get Complicated"
As kids head back-to-school, parents focus on replenishing and replacing kids' gear, but this year even the basics have gotten more complicated, creating a new ....
August 08, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in the Associated Press Article "Macy's Posts 16 Percent Hike in 2Q Net Income"
Macy's reported a nearly 16 percent increase in net income for its second quarter, helped by cost-cutting and its strategy to tailor its merchandise to ....
July 29, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in the Los Angeles Times Article "Sears' Struggle to Update and Draw Shoppers Shows in Santa Monica"
After merging with Kmart and becoming Sears Holdings Corp., the Sears brand has continued to struggle as it redefines itself for a new century and ....
May 15, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Associated Press Article "Penney has 1Q Loss as New Pricing Repels Shoppers"
Turns out, J.C. Penney shoppers don't prefer predictable pricing over blockbuster bargains — at least not yet.
May 15, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted on the Marketplace Morning Report "Customers Loyal To Discount Brands Even As Economy Recovers"
Ronald Friedman: People who got used to shopping in the T.J.'s and the Rosses, it's amazing you find the same labels in those ....
May 07, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in The New York Times Article "Amazon Plans Its Next Conquest: Your Closet"
It has also unsettled much of the retail clothing world as fears grow that few will be able to compete with a stepped-up Amazon.
April 05, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in the CNBC.com Consumer Nation Blog Post "Will Retail's Bloom Fade in April?"
Consumers also are in a better mood, according to Ron Friedman, head of the retail practice at Marcum, a national accounting firm.
March 28, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, was Quoted in the New York Times Article "Knowing Cost, the Customer Sets the Price"
Ronald S. Friedman, the head of the retail group at Marcum LLP, an accounting firm that advises department stores and manufacturers, said the average markup ....
February 29, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Forbes.com Article "Sears: America's First Google Fights for Its Life"
In the article, Mr. Friedman said, “They can close stores, reduce inventory, terminate employees, and raise capital, but nothing is being done to ....
February 23, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Associated Press Story "Sears Shedding Some Stores, Reports 4Q Loss"
In the article, Mr. Friedman said, "The image is atrocious. The stores are old and they're run down. They don't look like a nice place ....
January 13, 2012
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, was Interviewed on The Wall Street Journal Radio Network's segment "December Retail Sales Figures and Sears' Store Closings"
Ronald Friedman, head of the retail practice and partner-in-charge of the Southern California region for Marcum LLP, was interviewed on The ....
December 27, 2011
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "Sears, Kmart to Close up to 120 Stores After Holiday Sales Slump"
In the article, Mr. Friedman said, “The stores are not fresh and appealing, and the company has not invested in modernizing them and ....
December 25, 2011
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Interviewed on FoxNews Segment "Holiday Shopping and What it Means for the Economy"
In the interview, Mr. Friedman said, “I think the consumer is still very nervous. We have an election year coming up. We have a major ....
December 25, 2011
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "Hordes of Post-Christmas Shoppers Expected"
In the article, Mr. Friedman said, “With the help of carefully planned discounts throughout the season, many retailers have been steadily clearing through their holiday ....
December 16, 2011
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in WWD.com Article "Michael Kors: Wall Street's Newest Player"
In the article, Mr. Friedman said, “The next few weeks will tell whether the price will hold or not.” He said it's a ....
November 25, 2011
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "Early Black Friday Sales Appear to Pay Off for Retailers"
In the article, Mr. Friedman says, “People have had so many years of recession that they want to spend money and feel good about themselves, ....
November 18, 2011
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Interviewed on The Wall Street Journal Radio Network's "Your Money Matters" Radio Show
Ronald Friedman, head of the retail practice and partner-in-charge of the Southern California region for Marcum LLP, was interviewed on The Wall Street Journal ....
November 15, 2011
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Interviewed on "The Hays Advantage" on Bloomberg Radio Regarding October Retail Sales & Holiday Sales Outlook
Ronald Friedman, Assurance Services Partner, was interviewed on “The Hays Advantage” on Bloomberg Radio regarding the October retail sales numbers and his outlook ....
November 02, 2011
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Crain's New York Business Article "Syms Bankruptcy Opens Up Prime Manhattan Spots"
In the article, Mr. Friedman said. “a lot of owned real estate properties may go to paying back creditors.”
September 26, 2011
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Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in the Investor Uprising Blog Article "Retailers Already Geared Up for the Holidays"
In the article, Mr. Friedman said shoppers are buying online more than ever before. Online sales are expected to improve at ....
August 16, 2011
As Seen In
Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in The Wall Street Journal Article "UPDATE: JC Penney 2Q Profit Flat On Lower Sales, Margins"
In the article, Mr. Friedman comments on JC Penney's fiscal second-quarter earnings. He says "When you realize the sales are going to be somewhat soft, ....
Marcum LLP is one of the largest independent public accounting and advisory services firms in the nation, with offices in major business markets throughout the U.S., as well as Grand Cayman, China and Ireland.
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