Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This marketing plan suggests a new product development for Louis Vuitton (LV). This product will stretch the LV brand into perfumes. The perfume line will carry two products, A7 and A7-untitled. After a situational analysis, it was observed that opportunities in the macro environment such as rising wealth in emerging economies can set a platform for the success of this product. LVs internal capabilities its strong financial position- can capitalize on these opportunities to stretch the LV brand upwards. However, external threats such as changing consumer value can potentially affect the success of the product. A7 and A7-untitled will be positioned as a high-end luxury product with a corresponding premium pricing strategy. Geographic, demographic and behavioural variables will be considered in the market segmentation, and the target market will consist of upper class and the super-rich. The 7 Ps will be employed in the marketing mix. Distribution of this product will be through directly operated stores to maintain brand image and control exposure of the distribution channels to counterfeits. Integrated marketing communication (IMC) strategies will utilize different media for the communication of the product. The major media considered are television, outdoor, press, and electronic. The marketing budget is highlighted in Appendix 2, marketing activities will be controlled using measures like Total Quality management (TQM) and reviewed at intervals to ensure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and product quality. The balance scorecard in Appendix 1 illustrates the objectives, measures, targets, and initiatives of the four perspectives- financial, customer, internal processes and learning and growth. This brief concludes that LV is poised to launch a successful perfume line.
TABLE OF CONTENT
1
1.1 1.2 1.3
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 5
MARKET DEFINITION ......................................................................................................................... 5 ORGANISATION AND PRODUCT ..................................................................................................... 5 HISTORY ................................................................................................................................................... 5
2
2.1 2.2 2.3
SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS:.................................................................................. 6
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................... 6 PESTEL ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................................ 7 SWOT.......................................................................................................................................................... 7
3
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7
4
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7
5
5.1
6
6.1 6.2
7
7.1 7.2 7.3
BIBLIOGRAPHY .............................................................................................. 18
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 MARKET DEFINITION
The luxury goods industry is characterised by consumer goods positioned in the top-end of the market. For a majority of consumers, luxury brands are usually perceived as being exclusive, represented by high quality, stylish and extravagant. However, a few consumers perceive luxury goods to be lasting and expensive.
1.3 HISTORY
The LVMH group was formed in 1987 in a merger between Moet Hennessey and Louis Vuitton. LVMHs divisions include: wines and spirits, fashion and leather goods, perfumes and cosmetics, watches and jewellery and selective retailing. LVMH supports the growth of individual brands through shared resources whilst recognizing their individuality and innovative positioning. Since its creation the group has had a strong dynamic, expanding retail network to the present 3,040
stores worldwide. LVMHs core values border on creativity, innovation, and product excellence. With more than 80,000 employees and revenue of 23,659million- 3,195million from perfumes and cosmetics- as at yearend 2011 (LVMH, 2012a), the group is poised to launch a new line of LV perfumes. The Louis Vuitton (LV) brand has recorded a steady growth, maintaining a stellar course yearly in the fashion and leather goods division. LVs loyal customers demand the best possible quality, exclusive products and unparalleled level of service (LVMH, 2012a). Therefore, extending the LV brand into luxury perfumes will complement its existing brand value and the groups efforts in its perfumes and cosmetics division.
2 SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS:
2.1 COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
LVMH major direct competitors in the luxury fashion goods sector in terms of sales revenue are PPR group, Neiman Marcus Inc., Richemont and Hermes group. LVMH still maintains a leading position in fashion and leather goods. The PPR group controls brands like Gucci, Sergio Rossi, YSL, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen. In 2011 the group made a total sales revenue of 12.2billion (PPR, 2012). Its most profitable brand is Gucci. The group is increasing its presence in the Asian markets. Another major competitor, Richemont controls leading brands like Cartier, Ralph Laurent, Mont Blanc and Chloe. They recorded a total sales revenue of 6.7billion in 2011 (Richemont, 2012). Its main strengths are its wide geographical coverage and vigorous performance supporting revenues and increasing margins. However, major weakness such as its unfunded pensions scheme may compel the group to make cash contributions to account for the gap in pension assets and liabilities. This can limit the groups working capital, capital expenditures and store expansions (Datamonitor, 2012). Hermes group is popularly known for its leather goodssaddlery. In 2010, the group made 2.4billion in sales revenue. IBtimes (2010) reports LVMH owns over 20% equity stake in Hermes.
2.3 SWOT
Strengths: The on-going success of the LVMH group is as a result of the ingenuity of the groups vision. The primary strength of the group is its heritage, innovation and superior craftsmanship. LV has maintained quality products since the 19th century with its signature LV logo. Another strength of the group is its diverse business portfolio and leading positions in different divisions of activity and its strong financial position. Additionally, a significant strength of the LV brand is its selective retailing. LV markets its products through its own stores enabling the brand protect its distribution channels from counterfeit products. LV also does not have duty-free shops or sales promotion, which helps to preserve its brand
image. Furthermore, LVs advertising strategy is a major strength of the brand. With few words in high-quality print adverts and A-list celebrity endorsement, LV effectively engages its target market. Weaknesses: A significant weakness for LV is a limited customer base. Owing to its pricing structure, selective retailing and absence of sales promotion, LVs customer group is restricted to the affluent. Another weakness could be the brand stretch into an unrelated market wines & spirits. Although there have been market speculations of the sale of the wines and spirits division to Diageo, LVMH chairman denies the divestment of this portfolio (FT, 2009) Opportunities: A major opportunity for LV is the rising wealth in emerging economies (Bain & Company, 2011). Also, socio-cultural changes such as attitudes and values present opportunities for LV. For example, more women in the workforce drive demand for luxury goods. JMRN (2007) claim that working outside the home drives expenditure on self-consumption. Additionally, People are always attracted to luxury. It has a certain allure to it that is hard to describe, (Thomas, H, 2010); consequently, as income increase luxury spending will increase correspondingly. Threats: A major threat could be changing consumer perceptions. Consumers increasingly believe that they can derive more value in terms of functionality and quality from mass-market products. JMRN (2007) claim that many consumers do not need luxury brands to prove themselves as they acquire higher confidence levels. This can trigger poor demand and sales of luxury products. Climate regulation laws such as the Kyoto protocol can also be a source of threat to LV
3.4 BRANDING
Brands and brand image can be a source of competitive advantage and can serve to improve profit margins for organisations. LVs strong focus will be to maintain a premium image for the A7 lines. The brand elements of the name and logo is linked to LVMH history and heritage. The logic behind the name: is A7 would appear as an inverted form of LV. This product line will extend the brand upwards and add prestige to LVs current products. In addition to the product positioning, the brand will be strengthened by the integrated marketing communication (see below).
by LVs customer relationship managers. Members LV-ELITEs can have the privilege of designing a customised scent with private noses available from LV. The customer will patent customised scents. Furthermore, exclusive parties will be organised for LV-ELITEs. Parties will feature auctions and fund-raising for various charities.
3.7 OBJECTIVES
FINANCIAL Achieve 15% ROACE Increase earnings per share by 10% annually in the next 10 years Increase sales revenue by 3million in 2013 MARKETING Achieve 90% brand awareness in target market
suitable for daytime use. A7 lines provide the benefit of longer-lasting fragrance and an association with the LV brand. The limited edition perfume arrives in a rare L-shaped frosted glass box containing a V-shaped bottle carved from polishes yellow gold, white gold and platinum. The bottle also features 100 brilliant white diamonds inspired by Chris Aire.
4.1.1 PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT Owing to consumers voracious craving for novelty and dwindling attention span, fragrances now have a shorter lifetime than they used to. Consumers now own many brands of perfumes and use them to suit moods, occasions and seasons. According to MarketWatch (2006) report, "A few years ago, it used to be that a fragrance would come out, slowly build up sales, and perhaps after three or five years you would start seeing some attrition. Now a fragrance comes out and often by the second year it's either off the shelves or posting double-digit declines in sales." To mitigate this challenge LV will launch new product lines annually in order to maintain a competitive advantage.
The price summary can be found in the table below. Pricing Structure for International Market
4.3 DISTRIBUTION
Almost every aspect of the value-chain will be managed by LV. All material for the production of the perfumes will be sourced centrally. The design will also be by LVs designers, although the bottle design will be done by a design agency. Manufacture, marketing and advertisement of products will be done In-house and LV will spend about 10% of its sales revue on advertising annually. Product distribution will be through 100% LVs directly operated stores (DOS). Additional stores will be opened in Sephora, Harrods, and Bloomingdale and on Saks Fifth Avenue. Whereas electronic media will be used to promote the product, actual sales will be restricted to physical stores. This strategy is employed to increase the quality of LVs products and enhance brand image.
4.4 PEOPLE
In addition to LVMHs over 80,000 employees worldwide, LV will hire additional 800 staff that will be trained on the product benefits and effective customer service.
4.5 PROCESSES
Besides the process undergone to bring a product to market processes that interest customers will be properly managed. Customers will wait a maximum of one minute before getting served. They will be informed about product updates thru LVs magazine and other promotional activities.
4.7.1 KEY MESSAGES The main messages will be the positioning statement (A sniff of luxury)
4.7.2 ADVERTISING The adverts will feature celebrity endorsements from Simon Cowell and Angelina Jolie. Simon is a strong British personality and highly influential in the entertainment industry. Television adverts will be placed on CNN.
4.7.3 DIRECT MARKETING LV magazines will be sent to customers on the database quarterly. Also Parties and events will be communicated to the LV-ELITE network through direct marketing.
4.7.4 PERSONAL SELLING Products will be sold by personal selling to encourage consumers establish contact with the brand through the sales force.
6.2 BUDGETS
Refer to Appendix 2 for marketing budget
high standard of achievement. Promotional schedule will be reviewed quarterly to ensure compliance with deadlines.
8 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bain & Company (2011) The great Eight: Trillion-Dollar Growth Trends to 2020. [online] http://www.bain.com/publications/articles/eight-great-trillion-dollargrowth-trends-to-2020.aspx Accessed 27 March 2012
Financial Times (2009) LVMH eyes sale of Moet to Diageo. [online] http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/f49288f4-2ec4-11de-b7d300144feabdc0.html#axzz1qjkzBoRp Accessed 30 march 2012
Gumbel, P. (2007) The business of luxury: luxury goes mass market. CNN Money http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/30/magazines/fortune/mass_vs_class.fortune/ index.htm Accessed 24 March, 2012.
Hader S. Wooing Luxury Customers. Marketing Management [serial online]. July 2008;17(4):27-31. Available from: Business Source Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 29, 2012
IBTimes (2010) LVMH holds over 20 percent stake in Hermes, possible takeover. [online] http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/94530/20101222/lvmh-mo-thennessy-louis-vuitton-hermes-international-sca-stake-increase-possibletakeover.htm Accessed 10 March 2012
IMF (2011) World Economic and Financial Surveys: Regional Economic Outlook Asia and Pacific, managing the next phase of growth.
Jeavans, C. (2004). Welcome to the ageing future. BBC news. [Online] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4012797.stm Accessed 20th March 2012.
JPRN (2007) Japans changing consumer: drivers of change for luxury brands.
Keller K. (2009) Managing the growth tradeoff: Challenges and opportunities in luxury branding. Journal Of Brand Management [online]. Vol 16(5/6):290-301. Available from: Business Source Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 24, 2012.
LVMH
(2012a)
Annual
report
[online]
http://www.lvmh.com/investor-
MarketWatch (2006). Fleeting fragrance life cycle nothing to sniff at: Cosmetics giants see mounting R&D, promotion costs hitting bottom line. The Wall Street Journal [Online] http://articles.marketwatch.com/2006-1221/news/30808894_1_fragrances-perfume-sales-elizabeth-taylor-s-whitediamonds Accessed 30 march 2012.
Okonkwo U. Sustaining the luxury brand on the Internet. Journal Of Brand Management [serial online]. March 2009;16(5/6):302-310. Available from: Business Source Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 29, 2012.
PPR
(2012)
2011
Annual
results
[online].
Richemont (2012) Key figures: Consolidated results for the year ended 31 March 2011 [online] http://www.richemont.com/investor-relations/key-figures.html Accessed 28 March 2012
marketing management [online]. 20(4):26-31. Available from: Business Source Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 24, 2012.
The Economist (2009) LVMH in the recession: the substance of style [Online] http://www.economist.com/node/14447276 Accessed 23 March 2012.
The Economist (2011) The fashion industry: the glossy posse catwalks in the West, action in the East. [Online] Accessed 20th March 2012. http://www.economist.com/node/21530989
Thomas, H. (2010) US M&A: Luxury groups adapt to the post-recession world. Financial Times [Online] http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/54fa455a-74e8-11dfaed7-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1pqzUQbMW Accessed 21 March 2012.
APPENDIX 1 BALANCED SCORECARD FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE Objectives Maintain a balanced cash flow Increase group revenue Enhance Shareholder longterm value
Measures
Sales income
Targets
Surplus cash flow 10% organic statement through growth by 2014 business cycles
Initiatives
CUSTOMER PERSPECTIVE Objectives Expand market share Customer retention Customer satisfaction
Measures
Targets
90% awareness 90% retention level among target and market recommendation rates in 2013
Initiatives
INTERNAL PROCESSES Objectives Manage growth through Innovation Achieve operational excellence Drive demand
Measures
EFQM model
Delivery rate
Targets
Initiatives
LEARNING AND GROWTH PERSPECTIVE Objectives Develop strategic capabilities Build learning culture Expand capabilities with technology
Measures
Competitive advantage
Targets
Initiatives
Develop technical Deploy proficiency among information employees systems in supply chain management
Jan-12
Feb-12
0
Mar-12
0
Apr-12
0
Jan-13
Feb-13
47
Mar-13
40
Apr-13
42
48