With the launch of their long-awaited Watch, Apple has implemented a game-changing strategy to position themselves as leaders in the wearable tech market, choosing to aggressively target the luxury consumer rather than relying on their core customers. However, luxury consumers, specifically fashion-savvy consumers, can be a hard sell. With obstacles to surmount, Apple’s new retail strategy is only the first step in what has to be a long-term strategy. Apple’s new retail strategy Apple has always been an innovator, carving out their own niche by bringing beautifully designed-designed and user-friendly technology to the masses while redefining the customer experience along[…]
Apple’s “Start something new” embraces core customer across channels
Just as 2014 came to a close Apple launched their latest campaign, “Start something new”. Not only is it a departure from their typical approach, focusing instead on what can be done with their products rather than on the products themselves, but it seamlessly carries the message across online and in-store channels. And the concept itself brilliantly exemplifies the brand virtues, to customers, particularly leading-edge hard-core Apple customers. “Start something new” Launched initially in Japan in late December, then across other international markets in early January including Canada and the U.S., the campaign features a curated collection of commissioned[…]
Can a storefront make or break the brand experience?
There was a time when a retailer’s storefront created the important first impression. Essential in attracting attention, it allowed the experience to begin outside, setting up the customer’s expectations of what was yet to come. With e-commerce and social media channels becoming powerful initial brand touch points, the storefront’s role has evolved. It may not be the first impression, but it remains an important expression of a brand. Abercrombie & Fitch use their storefronts to full effect, bending traditional rules of retail, concealing sightlines in to their space. The target demographic is not dissuaded by the uninviting statement while others[…]