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- Mar 8, 2002
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Overall consumption of men’s clothing has increased steadily while sales of the same have decreased steadily at department stores throughout the past 15-20 years. Brands like Hermès and Cartier have managed to avoid a lot of the effects of commoditization by strict control of distribution and licensing.
Department stores can’t compete in choice or price against pure plays. And with the convenience of same day shipping in the large metropolitan areas, they can’t compete in convenience either. And they can’t compete in sales staff product knowledge with small boutiques or niche stores. And there nail in the coffin: Barney’s was unable to build an attractive online presence or offer any competitive fulfillment and shipping.
You need to be better or at least equal in one area.
Department stores can’t compete in choice or price against pure plays. And with the convenience of same day shipping in the large metropolitan areas, they can’t compete in convenience either. And they can’t compete in sales staff product knowledge with small boutiques or niche stores. And there nail in the coffin: Barney’s was unable to build an attractive online presence or offer any competitive fulfillment and shipping.
You need to be better or at least equal in one area.