Laura Ashley - like or don't like

[Fox in the Snow]

Makes me think of Lady Diana, before she was a princess. Even though the homewares are timeless, I think the incredible popularity of it in the 80s means that it's still defined as part of that era. Tuomas makes a good point about taking cues from Mulberry; there is definitely a market for it. People love prints and classic homewares. Cath Kidston is just one example of this, although they cater to a more kitsch-loving type of crowd, however, nostalgia might also be a good angle from which Laura Ashley can approach a rebirth.

 

[vee]

i just realized that one of my fav jackets is from laura ashley [thank god it was a kid's large so it still fits ]
i dont really remember much of the women's line but i can agree with most people's sentiment here, that it might be able to manage a nice comeback. i wonder if they've thought about it...

 

[suefashion]

Should Laura Ashley divide into two different lines to focus on two different groups of customers? First line to be more traditional to maintain their customers. Second line to be more fashionable to attract young customers. What promotional strategies and marketing channels they should do now? Where should they open their stores? Will you buy their products online?

 

[Venetta]

Hey, don't you think it is the management problem?
The Malaysian Conglomate took 40% share by 1998 and the business just don't turnaround.
The products on offer reflects how they run the business.
The executives keep resigning and they just focus more on cost cutting.
The management just don't know much about their UK customer and is an Outsider who don't know how to play well for an international brand.

Any inside story?

 

[helena]

Should Laura Ashley divide into two different lines to focus on two different groups of customers? First line to be more traditional to maintain their customers. Second line to be more fashionable to attract young customers. What promotional strategies and marketing channels they should do now? Where should they open their stores? Will you buy their products online?

Answer yes they should do two line - FOCUSSING ON QUALITY. I would buy online if the products were good enough. Dunno about the location of the stores. Keep the same stores as they currently have...no?

 

[Whitelinen]

It's tiny bit kitsch, but they have lovely kids' clothing line. Otherwise, it's far too "clutter" and sweet to me.

 

[Sarah3d1]

Do you know Laura Ashley?
What sorts of products or services you like?
What sorts of products or service you don't like?
Are they competitive? If not, how they can be improved?
Who is their direct competitor?

Hi! Suefashion

Well, i was impressed by the country feel, floral print when i first get in touch with Laura Ashley years ago, especially the floral print dress.

But i don't like the women's top very much as it's too mature,
formal, conventional and not chic enough. Offer price is quite high too.
Laura Ashley cannot attract me to buy their collection under this kind of style and offer price.

Furthermore, lack of promotion and few distributions in HK
cannot remind me about this brand at all.

More promotion through media, image marketing for the target market
, plus credit card discount surely sound effective. Of course,
reformation in design team and lines should bring more refreshment
to customer and surely sounds effective to grab more supporters
in this competitive retail marketplace.

 

[Sarah3d1]

Do you know Laura Ashley?
What sorts of products or services you like?
What sorts of products or service you don't like?
Are they competitive? If not, how they can be improved?
Who is their direct competitor?

Do you know Laura Ashley?
What sorts of products or services you like?
What sorts of products or service you don't like?
Are they competitive? If not, how they can be improved?
Who is their direct competitor?

 

[SwanDiamondRose]

Should Laura Ashley divide into two different lines to focus on two different groups of customers? First line to be more traditional to maintain their customers. Second line to be more fashionable to attract young customers. What promotional strategies and marketing channels they should do now? Where should they open their stores? Will you buy their products online?

yes they shoud divide into 2 lines. i think there would be a new clientele for them. there is a revised interest in Liberty type fabric and sweet florals. for example- http://flickr.com/photos/dearbirthday/sets/72057594075061051/

her store is dearbirthday.com but they are restocking right now...

if laura ashley was smart they would hire someone like her or her to do new things for them. just like Wrangler hired Built By Wendy and so on...

and yes i would and others would i'm sure buy their products online. i mean why not?

oh forgot to say- i love laura ashley and am endeared to their 80s clothes. when i find them i am happy!

 

[Sarah3d1]

Competitor of Laura Ashley

Surely Marks and Spencer.

But Marks and Spencer has much better performance
from production line, design, pricing, promotion, distribution
to brand and image establishment, especially in Asia, eg. HK.

Do you know Laura Ashley?
What sorts of products or services you like?
What sorts of products or service you don't like?
Are they competitive? If not, how they can be improved?
Who is their direct competitor?