Expansion

Paul Smith Store in Berlin (photo: brand experts)

The Paul Smith Store in Berlin

Unique Retail, , , , , ,

Paul Smith has just opened his first Berlin store, and it wouldn’t be Paul Smith (or Berlin) if the store and its location were just ordinary.

Sir Paul Smith is a British designer of extraordinary fashion for men, women, children, and accessories. He has been for some 40 years, and in various collaborations he designs pretty much anything that can be designed. In an interview, he recently described himself as a ‘strange designer’. A few weeks ago, he opened his first small but nonetheless great Paul Smith store in Berlin. (more…)

Adidas Best Practice Brand Distribution Strategy

Best Practice, , , , , , ,

Aiming for the world’s most affluent consumers in highly competitive environments: Adidas’ ‘Top City Strategy 2020’ is at halfway, what is best practice and what can you learn for your business?

It’s widely known that consumer markets and brand distribution channels have fundamentally changed over the past 25 years in more ways than anticipated. Fact is, the internet as a distribution channel grew from 0 to commonly 8-15% of sales. But far more relevant from a commercial and strategic perspective is that many formerly emerging countries, especially China and countries in the Middle East and Central Europe, grew to 30-40%  of total sales and profits in lifestyle brand distribution.

(more…)

1000 Myths, 60 Locations & 5 Formats – The Facts about the Amazon Retail Strategy

Unique Retail, , , , , , ,

Amid many myths and rumors, this research sheds light on the facts, corporate communication, and the evidence from physical store openings. Long quality read.

Imagine you own 43% of your online market, and 50% of the online growth, but 85% of your market continues to be brick & mortar? Imagine (more…)

Mexico City (Photo: Jezael Melgoza)

Brand Distribution: Why Now Is the Time for Mexico

Exploring Markets, , , ,

Reaching a realistic assessment of Mexico’s brand distribution potential

As the second largest retail market in Latin America, Mexico has long been considered an attractive market for international retail brands. With Brazil in recession, Mexico has been able to further improve its position. The country is now on the radar of current and new players seeking to conquer market share. (more…)

Morocco © Melinda Barlow

International Expansion – How to Find the Best Distribution Model?

Distribution Excellence, , , , ,

Selecting the most appropriate channel mix – using the optimal distribution model for any new market – is like finding your way in a multidimensional maze. It is one of the most complex and risky decisions top management has to make, as each market comes with its own set of conditions and requirements.

There is plenty of information available about characteristics of the different distribution channels. Therefore, in this post I would like to focus on how to select the best distribution model for your brand. A distribution model that allows you to expand into the targeted channels in a specific country in your market segment!

(more…)

(Retail) Love in the Time of (Store Closure) Cholera – 8 Reasons why Retail Expansion will Prevail

Brand Strategy, ,

There are store closure programs wherever you look. But online pure players and successful brands continue to invest in retail expansion. So why is this?

To start with, I’m a finance and control guy by origin, certainly not a creative that simply likes brand stores because of their looks. I love retail expansion, because with the right ingredients almost any product category and brand can operate profitable stores – but you’d better know how. Retail expansion strategies have been my most interesting assignments, because the store operations models behind the façade are as complex as they are colourful.  (more…)

Elle Germany, UK, Italy Photo: Heike Blank

International Expansion: Product Adaptation Without Jeopardising SKU Productivity

Distribution Excellence, , ,

This post will answer the question “how much product adaptation is needed and healthy for a brand starting its international expansion?”

In answering the question, I am going to use examples from fashion and lifestyle companies, as I’ve spent the majority of my professional life in those industries.

(more…)

Research For Brand Store Growth? Retail Expansion Software May Help!

Exploring Markets, ,

Looking for retail expansion that really works? Smart software may be one tool out of many to find the perfect store location for your brand.

Reading the press, there isn’t a day without various brands and retailers unveiling and opening new stores in diverse locations all over the world.

According to the 7th edition of CBRE’s annual report “How active are retailers globally?”, retail expansion is continuing by brands to expand their physical store networks, despite several challenges. (more…)

8 Excellent Weekend Reads for Brand Growth Strategy

Best Read, , , ,

Our Q1 blog visits are +99%, bounce rate -41%, subscribers doubled, likes & recommendations +100%, there couldn’t be a stronger feedback  the “Brand Growth Inspiration” blog is on the right track. Thank you to all authors, our readers & supporters.

In case you missed one of the valuable posts, here’s our bespoke selection of best weekend read for you. (more…)

Suitsupply Chicago Store (photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Suitsupply – Achieving Brand Growth Through Courage, Innovation and Passion

Unique Retail, ,

The young Dutch brand for formal men’s wear wins globally by combining European tailoring culture with modern lifestyle. A fan report.

Yes, I am a fan of Suitsupply. When I started my career in the late 1980’s, I had the privilege to work as a creative buyer with a traditional, high class German menswear retailer in Berlin. As a result, I am now ruined for ever with regard to my quality requirements when it comes to suits and accessories. I believe the Italians and the English manufactories, who traditionally tailor their suits, using the finest local fabrics, are the best. Naturally they are unaffordable for most customers, therefore maintaining an air of elitism.

(more…)

Sunday Shopping in Shanghai (Photo: Heike Blank)

How to Drive International Expansion Without Escalating Complexity

Distribution Excellence, , ,

Customise or standardise? This is the question! Maybe THE most important one whenever a brand starts its international expansion!

Depending on who you ask, you will get different answers. If you ask your brand and marketing management, they will vote for as much standardisation as possible.  If you ask your sales force – well the answer will be quite the opposite!

They will come up with a long list of issues that need to be addressed before you can successfully launch into an international expansion and you know what? They are all RIGHT!

(more…)

Brand Distribution India – Is the Country Finally Catching Up?

Exploring Markets, , ,

How to find a realistic assessment of the country’s brand distribution potential, for international brands aiming to expand into India.

Reading about brand distribution in India lately, has meant encountering an endless stream of comments filled with superlatives. For example: “India has emerged as the fastest growing major economy in the world” ; “India  has become the second most competitive BRICS economy” ;  ” … the Indian retail sector is poised for tremendous growth” and so on. (more…)