The Challenges Facing Luxury Retailing In Today's Difficult Economic Environment
We are pleased to present you with the latest blog entry from Sari Brown, founder and CEO of LuxCouture, at http://www.sari-brown.com.
LuxCouture, which this year was named one of Boston Magazine's "Best of Boston 2008," is a fast-growing retailer that has become the ultimate destination for stylish women who seek luxury handbags by the hottest new designers on the market.
For more information about LuxCouture and to browse the online showroom, visit the Web site, http://www.luxcouture.com.
To say that times are tough is cliche. We all know that between the bailout, the whipsawing stock market, and the corporate failures, everyone is nervous and feeling unsure about what's to come the next few months. Even the next year.
As a student of human behavior, what fascinates me is how people respond to extreme times of stress like the one we're experiencing now. You can really see people's true colors come out.
You have a choice. You can band together and support each other through the crisis, or you can barricade yourself in self-isolation - and pray that you won't wilt away before the storm passes.
I saw these two camps in plain view when I traveled to Paris earlier this month. The Euro was nowhere near as strong as it was the last time I crossed the Atlantic, and some merchants were in denial about the need to adjust.
In my opinion, trying to compensate for a decline in income by making strong demands backfires on everyone - the merchant who is trying to move inventory; the retailer who is trying to find ways to stock shelves; and most importantly the consumer, who may not get to see the fantastic fashions that people have to offer because of all of this haggling.
Those that recognized that times have changed were willing - and able - to be nimble and flexible. They relaxed minimums, and, interestingly enough, really took the time to talk through with me which products would most likely win with consumers, even in today's market.
They made an effort to help me edit the offerings so that I can present to my customers the best collection of fashions they have to offer. Together, we figured out a selection of products that will give my customers the style and pizzazz they have come to expect from my store.
Together, we tried to set up ourselves up for success. And ultimately isn't that what it's all about?
About Sari Brown
Sari Brown founded LuxCouture in 2006 out of a desire to make her favorite, hard-to-find designer bags available to women everywhere.
She discovered her passion for handbags from a career in fashion that began on Seventh Avenue in New York, where she occupied key positions with fashion legend Oleg Cassini. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York, Sari traveled the country for Oleg Cassini, analyzing accounts in major markets and honing her fashion and marketing skills. From that experience, Sari found she had a penchant for discovering up-and-coming designers on the verge of becoming the next big thing.
Having a particular passion for handbags, and using these skills and her connections in fashion, Sari regularly managed to have the next hot bag slung over her shoulder long before it hit a store shelf! Today Sari uses her skills and connections to offer the same ahead-of-the-curve access to the LuxCouture customer. She logs endless hours researching and scouring the globe. With her ability to spot trends in advance, Sari has often picked up designers months before they're featured by the mainstream media, including Sang A, who was featured in Vogue and on CNNMoney.com, and Pauric Sweeney, seen in InStyle.
While LuxCouture features hot new designers, the company's bags are never too trendy. Sari carefully selects each style, using her well-trained, sophisticated eye to include only designs that have a timeless quality. Customers are sure to love their new bags now and for years to come.
The personal attention she brings to LuxCouture does not end there: Sari knows many of her customers personally, is always available to speak to them, as well as supply special orders and requests, and she sends a handwritten note with every bag purchased.
With her rare, hand-picked selection of bags and focus on individual customers, Sari Brown makes buying online as personal as shopping with a close girlfriend.
Sari Brown is available for interviews with the media to discuss topics ranging from trends in the luxury retail market and the handbag fashion industry to hot new handbag designers.
About LuxCouture
Founded in 2006, LuxCouture is a fast-growing retailer that is now the ultimate destination for luxury bags by the hottest, new designers on the market. Today's sophisticated shopper seeks bags that stand out for their unique style and eye-catching luxury; she is no longer interested in easily identified "It" bags by well known designers.
At LuxCouture she finds the bags of her dreams: all are made with couture-quality craftsmanship and the finest materials by a carefully selected group of designers. LuxCouture regularly offers cutting-edge designers long before they gain media and celebrity buzz.
While always hot on the trail of the best up-and-coming designers, "The Lux List" also includes several more classic lines known for their stunning luxury such as LAI, NUTI and Jennifer Alfano. The LuxCouture collection appeals to a range of aesthetic tastes and includes an exceptional selection of exotic skins, including python, water-snake, crocodile and ostrich, as well as the finest nappa leather.
LuxCouture's cutting-edge fashions can be viewed and purchased through its online retail site, www.luxcouture.com, or through its new retail showroom in Newton, MA. More information, or advice, about the latest trends in handbag designs also can be found by calling the company at 1-800-770-0408.
SOURCE: Sari Brown