The Burberry Rebuild Is Starting to Work — Step by Step
Burberry has begun to turn the corner under CEO Josh Schulman, with Q1 FY25 results showing stronger-than-expected performance despite continued macroeconomic challenges. Comparable store sales declined just 1% versus a 21% drop a year ago, and global conversion rates are up significantly—led by local customers rather than tourists. Strategic shifts include repositioning the brand around “timeless British luxury,” expanding pricing architecture, and launching immersive campaigns like the Highgrove and Ibiza activations. Schulman is also driving operational efficiency, including a 20% planned headcount reduction by 2027. With a 27% rise in share price year-to-date and potential re-entry into the FTSE 100, Burberry’s multiyear transformation plan appears to be gaining traction.
#Burberry, #LuxuryFashion, #JoshSchulman, #BrandTurnaround, #BritishLuxury, #RetailStrategy, #GlobalSales, #LuxuryRetail, #Q1Results, #FashionBusiness, #ConsumerTrends, #FTSE100, #ConversionRate, #LuxuryMarketing
Case Study | Ferragamo & Tod’s - When Heritage Survives but Growth Stalls
In luxury, preserving your heritage is critical — but it’s not the whole game. Ferragamo and Tod’s are two of Italy’s most respected names, both rooted in artisanal excellence and family ownership. They haven’t lost their identity — but they’re struggling to stay culturally and commercially relevant in today’s fashion landscape.
In this episode of When Growth Goes Too Far, we explore why heritage alone isn’t enough. From Ferragamo’s quiet years and creative reinvention under Maximilian Davis to Tod’s challenge of building resonance beyond the Gommino loafer, this is a story of tradition, transition, and the race for relevance.
#Ferragamo, #Tods, #HeritageBrands, #LuxuryStrategy, #QuietLuxury, #MaximilianDavis, #Craftsmanship, #FamilyOwnedBrands, #ItalianLuxury, #BrandRelevance, #CapitalCompass, #FashionCaseStudy, #GrowthVsLegacy
Case Study | Cerruti 1881 - How Italian Refinement Got Lost in Global Expansion
Cerruti 1881 was once the epitome of modern Italian elegance — blending soft tailoring with Parisian sophistication. Founded by Nino Cerruti, the brand stood for quiet power, refined menswear, and timeless design. But after a series of ownership changes and aggressive global expansion efforts, its identity began to fade.
In this episode of When Growth Goes Too Far, we explore how a brand built on balance and restraint was slowly diluted by the pressures of scale, licensing, and short-term commercial ambitions.
#Cerruti1881, #HeritageBrands, #LuxuryBusiness, #FashionStrategy, #CreativeDirection, #MenswearHeritage, #BrandIdentity, #LicensingModel, #PrivateEquity, #GrowthVsLegacy, #CapitalCompass, #CaseStudy, #NinoCerruti, #casestudy, #casestudycerruti
Case Study | Dr. Martens - From Subculture Symbol to Scaled Footwear Giant
Dr. Martens started as a working-class boot and became a global symbol of rebellion — worn by punks, rockers, and subcultures across decades. But today, it’s a publicly traded brand, scaled through private equity-backed expansion, international store rollouts, and hype-driven drops.
In this episode of When Growth Goes Too Far, we explore how Dr. Martens achieved financial success under Permira and through its IPO — but also how scaling a subcultural icon can create tension between cultural authenticity and commercial performance.
#DrMartens, #HeritageBrands, #FootwearStrategy, #BrandGrowth, #PrivateEquity, #IPO, #SubcultureToMainstream, #FashionBusiness, #CapitalCompass, #CaseStudy, #BrandIdentity, #GrowthVsLegacy
Case Study | Brooks Brothers - When Expansion Outpaces Identity
Brooks Brothers is America’s oldest apparel brand — a name once synonymous with elegance, professionalism, and East Coast heritage. But after years of rapid expansion, licensing, and outlet retailing, the brand slowly lost the very identity that made it iconic.
In this episode of When Growth Goes Too Far, we explore how Brooks Brothers went from dressing presidents and executives to filing for bankruptcy in 2020. From ownership changes to evolving consumer preferences, this case study highlights the risks of prioritizing scale over soul.
#BrooksBrothers, #HeritageBrands, #LuxuryRetail, #BrandStrategy, #RetailBankruptcy, #OutletRetail, #LicensingModel, #AmericanFashion, #GrowthVsLegacy, #CapitalCompass, #CaseStudy, #FashionHistory, #casestudy, #casestudybrooksbrothers
Case Study | Roberto Cavalli - From Runway Excess to Brand Reset
Roberto Cavalli once defined high-octane glamour — bold prints, exotic textures, and maximalist confidence. But after years of over-licensing, creative turnover, and private equity restructuring, the brand lost its edge and filed for creditor protection in 2019.
In this episode of When Growth Goes Too Far, we explore how the Cavalli brand expanded aggressively into everything from children’s wear to luxury clubs — and how this diluted its core identity. Now owned by Dubai-based Damac Group, Cavalli is attempting a revival that’s as much about lifestyle and real estate as it is about fashion.
#RobertoCavalli, #HeritageBrands, #LuxuryFashion, #BrandDilution, #PrivateEquity, #FashionCaseStudy, #BrandReset, #LicensingModel, #GrowthVsLegacy, #FashionBusiness, #CapitalCompass, #Maximalism, #FaustoPuglisi, #casestudy, #casestudyrobertocavalli
Donna Karan | From New York Powerhouse to a Brand Without a Home
Donna Karan built one of the most influential American fashion brands of the 20th century — rooted in real women’s lives and modern New York energy. From her iconic “Seven Easy Pieces” concept to the global success of DKNY, the brand defined an era.
But as the business scaled, went public, was acquired by LVMH, and eventually sold to G-III, the brand’s identity became fragmented. In this episode, we explore how the pressure to grow — through licensing, mass distribution, and commercial repositioning — diluted a once-distinctive voice in American fashion.
#DonnaKaran, #DKNY, #HeritageBrands, #FashionStrategy, #BrandIdentity, #LuxuryBusiness, #CreativeDirection, #GrowthVsLegacy, #LicensingModel, #AmericanFashion, #CapitalCompass, #CaseStudy
Case Study | Birkenstock’s Evolution - Navigating Heritage and Modern Market Challenges
Birkenstock, a heritage brand rooted in craftsmanship since 1774, has recently undergone significant changes following its acquisition by L Catterton and its IPO debut. While the company has shown revenue growth and global expansion, declining profit margins and a growing reliance on marketing-led strategies signal a shift from its original values. With new product categories and high-fashion collaborations entering the mix, the brand now faces the challenge of balancing modern market demands with the authenticity that built its legacy.
#Birkenstock, #HeritageBrand, #IPO, #LuxuryBusiness, #PrivateEquity, #LCatterton, #BrandStrategy, #MarketingVsCraftsmanship, #BrandEvolution, #FashionIPO, #PublicMarkets
What Went Wrong with Estée Lauder?
Estée Lauder, once a dominant force in the global beauty industry, faces significant challenges as it navigates a disappointing outlook for 2025. Key issues include a sharp decline in the Chinese market, which heavily impacted the company's performance due to regulatory crackdowns and shifting consumer behaviors. Additionally, strategic missteps, such as an over-reliance on older demographics in the U.S. and slow innovation, have further hampered its market position. Despite these hurdles, Estée Lauder is initiating recovery strategies, including expanding its U.S. presence and embracing online platforms like Amazon to diversify its consumer base and streamline operations.
#EsteeLauder, #BeautyIndustry, #MarketChallenges, #BrandStrategy, #Innovation, #ConsumerBehavior, #OnlineRetail, #BeautyTrends, #CorporateStrategy, #LeadershipTransition
Case Study: How Sephora's Strategic Partnerships Propel Brand Success and Market Expansion
This case study highlights Sephora's strategic role in fostering the growth and market expansion of beauty brands through its partnerships. By aligning with companies like Charlotte Tilbury, Glossier, and Drunk Elephant, Sephora leverages its global presence and marketing prowess to enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement. These collaborations not only drive significant sales and brand recognition but also pave the way for brands to achieve major business milestones, including IPOs and acquisitions. Through this symbiotic relationship, Sephora continues to assert its position as a pivotal player in the beauty industry, demonstrating the power of strategic partnerships in accelerating brand success and expanding market reach.
#Sephora, #StrategicPartnerships, #BrandSuccess, #MarketExpansion, #BeautyIndustry, #RetailInnovation, #BusinessGrowth, #CaseStudy, #BeautyBrands, #GlobalRetail
Mastering Growth Strategy: An Integrated Approach Using Key Strategic Frameworks
In today's competitive landscape, a well-crafted growth strategy is essential for any business aiming to thrive. This article explores several strategic frameworks integral to developing robust growth strategies, including the BCG Matrix, Ansoff Matrix, Porter’s Five Forces, Value Discipline Model, and the 4P and 4C frameworks, alongside the McKinsey Growth Pyramid. Each framework offers unique insights and applications, helping businesses navigate market complexities, align operations with market demands, and strategically position themselves for sustainable growth. By integrating these frameworks, companies can ensure their strategies are comprehensive, customer-centric, and tailored to maintain a competitive edge.
#BusinessStrategy, #GrowthStrategy, #BCGMatrix, #AnsoffMatrix, #PortersFiveForces, #ValueDiscipline, #MarketingStrategy, #4Ps, #4Cs, #McKinseyGrowthPyramid, #StrategicPlanning, #BusinessGrowth, #MarketAnalysis
Exploring Case Studies: The Dual Perspective of Brand Identity in Marketing and Design
This post explores the practical application of brand identity through case studies of Apple, Coca-Cola, and Nike, demonstrating how they blend marketing strategies and design principles to strengthen their market positions. Apple's approach highlights its commitment to innovation and sleek design, making its products synonymous with high-end technology and lifestyle. Coca-Cola focuses on emotional branding, using its iconic visuals and campaigns to evoke feelings of happiness and community. Nike uses its powerful "Just Do It" slogan and dynamic logo to inspire athletic excellence and determination. These examples show that a well-executed brand identity not only enhances recognition but also deepens consumer loyalty and engagement.
#BrandIdentity, #CaseStudies, #MarketingExcellence, #DesignIntegration, #Apple, #CocaCola, #Nike, #EmotionalBranding, #VisualCommunication, #ConsumerLoyalty, #BrandStrategy, #MarketingInsights
Understanding Brand Identity: A Dual Perspective on Marketing and Design
Brand identity serves as a pivotal element in distinguishing a business in a competitive landscape, encompassing distinct but interconnected marketing and design facets. From a marketing perspective, brand identity shapes how a brand presents its values, voice, and positioning, aiming for consistency across all interactions to foster customer trust and recognition. Design-wise, it involves crafting a visual identity through logos, color schemes, and typography that not only appeals aesthetically but also resonates emotionally with the audience, enhancing brand recall and loyalty. An integrated approach combining both marketing strategies and design principles is essential for a robust brand identity that engages customers and sustains market presence.
#BrandIdentity, #MarketingStrategy, #DesignThinking, #VisualBranding, #BusinessGrowth, #BrandLoyalty, #CorporateIdentity, #BrandManagement, #CustomerEngagement