fashion

Burberry Says Social Media Powering New Branding Strategy


Burberry, in the midst of a major repositioning, says that it is “building brand heat,” even as it gains traction selling off the merchandise that reflects its old style.

The debut line from new creative director Riccardo Tisci, set to roll out next month, is the first step in its turnaround plan, developed after several years of weak sales.

“We are navigating our business between the new branding and vision for Burberry and the previous collection in store that does not yet reflect our new positioning,” the company says in its earnings statement. Comparable store sales rose just 1%, with notable softness in the U.S.

Still, Burberry is maintaining its forecast of stable sales for the year ahead, despite the potential complications of a no-deal Brexit on its operations.

“While still in the first phase of our multiyear plan to transform and reposition Burberry, we made good progress in the quarter as we built brand heat and continued to shift consumer perceptions,” it says. Sales of the limited-edition B-Series, the first taste of the “new” Burberry, sold well through social media channels, especially in China.

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The company says the collaboration with Vivienne Westwood that was launched last month, with the designer’s most recognizable pieces reimagined in classic Burberry plaid, also generated strong demand.

Social media gains include the addition of 1 million Instagram and WeChat followers from the previous quarter, and a 50% improvement on WeChat. And the company credits its high-profile holiday marketing campaign, starring the likes of Kristin Scott Thomas, MIA and Matt Smith, with reaching more than 57 million customers.

Observers are still somewhat skeptical. “Burberry is making great progress on social media, but we have yet to see this translate into sales results,” says Neil Saunders, managing director of retail for GlobalData.

“The real test of this will come in February when Riccardo Tisci’s debut runway collection hits stores. There has been a positive response so far from wholesale clients to his commercial ranges,” he tells Marketing Daily, but that’s no guarantee “social media engagement turns into actual sales.”

Saunders says Burberry sales in the U.S. have been affected by fewer tourists -- especially those from China -- shopping, and notes this trend has already had an impact on Tiffany’s. “And while  the U.S. is a strong market, there is no shortage of luxury offerings. Burberry needs to do more to stand out.”

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