"We collaborate with Levi's and are pleased to be big in brands that innovate and excite the customer....We believe in working together versus being on opposite sides of the table. That is the same for all our private and brand partners," Ullman emphasized.

Robert Hanson, president of Levi Strauss North America, told attendees, "Great companies often have the same strategies. It's how you execute them."

Hanson, noting that the robust growth opportunities are in Europe, Russia and Asia, joked about how the "industry is full of control freaks," and how at Levi's, "we try not to manage our business in a controlling way."

He also said the company is trying to be quick on cutting lead times, and especially trying to "be clear about what the brand is about." He noted that not many people know that the original Levi's product was a tent, but evolved into pants because that's "what people wanted."

But it was deals, deals and more deals that had many attendees in whispered conversations on the sidelines. George Feldenkreis, founder, chairman and ceo of Perry Ellis International Inc., was forthcoming about his desire to make some acquisitions, provided they can be bought at the right price.

"This is a good opportunity for companies to make some acquisitions. It is the first time in years where you will see some strategics out looking along with the investment community," Feldenkreis said.

Harrison tried his best to help the deals along — whether or not Financo is involved. Acting as emcee, Harrison touched upon a wide range of issues from expansion plans to e-commerce and the possible slowdown in luxury. At one point, he even interrupted his own event to highlight the arrival of — and lend a little sympathy to — Wayne Weaver, owner of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. Former chairman of Shoe Carnival, Weaver's team lost to the New England Patriots on Saturday.

William Susman, president and chief operating officer of Financo, opened the event with comments on how holiday 2007 had few fashion must-have items, and how every household has enough iPods.

That said, Financo isn't down on 2008. On the contrary, "Financo is bullish on 2008. We believe retail is poised for a good year [as the country] is heading into an election year....Capital is plentiful as private equity still has funds to deploy, even as banks [are] pulling back," Susman said.