Turnaround

Brand Distribution Best Practice Post Covid

Brand Distribution, , , , , , ,

Our research and industry dialogue ‘Future in Brand Distribution’ has been off to an enlightening start. Four weeks in, executive talks and our online survey have already returned much valuable inspiration on the future of the lifestyle industry.

The sentiment we encountered in the industry dialogues was generally positive and energising, even though many still find themselves in lockdowns. It seems as though the Covid-19 pandemic not only gave a boost to digital transformation but also liberated some of the brand industry’s best creative thinking.

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Post Covid Retail – Rethinking store processes & merchandise management

Brand Retail, , , , ,

A healthy store P & L is still at the heart of happy retailing. As Covid-19 made it somewhat easy to lower rent costs, many took the same approach with store head count. But this will certainly cost future retail productivity and flexibility.

So how do you adjust store operations in Post Covid Retail without losing more sales and compromising customer service?

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Post Covid Industry Best Practice in Retail & Online

Best Practice, , , , ,

The Covid-19 pandemic is devastating for those with pre-existing conditions. But it also mobilises the best in all others: unforeseen creativity, outstanding personal engagement, true loyalty and support among many more qualities.

There is no way around acknowledging that the situation is grim wherever you look and listen across the brand and retail industry, in parts even online. But if we pay close attention, we can also observe new brand industry best practice emerging.

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Bestseller Management

How to Benefit from Bestseller Management Immediately

Brand Analytics, , ,

Bestseller Management is one of the most important processes to improve sell-through and mark-down in the consumer goods industry. What KPI helps identify bestsellers and make smart decisions about them?

Some companies like Zara, Kennel & Schmenger or s.Oliver excel at managing bestsellers. While Zara works with sophisticated analytics to alter bestselling styles by fabric, color or detailing, s.Oliver masters  bestseller management to a degree that endangers its potential to innovate.

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Brand Growth Planning

How to get Quality into your Brand Strategy and Planning

Brand Strategy, , , ,

Key learnings of 30 years brand strategy and planning. Tips how to improve your brand growth planning, today.

In January, Reuters reported that 38 % of 406 major US companies prepared for 2017 with a zero-based budget (ZBB) approach, and cites a respective 2016 Bain study. How lifestyle brands had planned for 2017 is unknown, but in the light of the US retail environment, many brands had to apply major cost cutting exercises to adjust their strategy and planning.

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Retail Lease Management in Stormy Weather

Brand Strategy, , ,

Retail management without lease control management is like sailing in a storm but leaving the essential navigation tools at home.

How many of your global leases are about to expire this year and you missed the date to opt for an automatic extension or substantial renegotiation last year? How many leases would you have loved to leave last year, but overlooked the date for early contract termination? (more…)

Business Model

Abercrombie – stripped of the Beach Models, It’s all about the Business Model

Brand Strategy, , , , , ,

If you are a great brand and plan to grow in international retail, make sure you have a competitive brand business model. It takes more than six packs to be successful.

As the beach boy six packs are no longer in action, what is the brand’s competitive edge? Can you remember any new store opening hype lately for Abercrombie? In 2011, at the height of Abercrombie & Fitch’s international expansion, we looked for the first time at the brand’s P&L and its retail KPIs (see retail intrapreneur). In 2011 alone, US$230m in capital expenditure was spent on expansion in Asia and Europe. The US management was counting on the success of the brand’s international expansion. We questioned whether the business model was ready for European growth.

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Brand Restructuring in 20 Minutes

Brand Strategy, , ,

LEGO’s recovery from bankruptcy is a most convincing example of brand restructuring. In an excellent 20 min interview LEGO’s CEO explains how they did it. And more, you will find him somewhat singing at an investors conference.

If you believe Apple may have had the most convincing brand turn around of all time, then you should broaden your perspective by reading about LEGO’s recovery. The story is not as prominent, but has at least the same number of interesting brand strategy learnings. LEGO’s strategy mistakes and turnaround are a must-know for every brand executive. (more…)