AFFORDABLE LUXURY Unlock the full potential...


price discount. A product that in many ways is similar but often without the brand recognition.” So the term is relative and can


mean different things for different categories, nationalities and locations. Stuart McGuire, CEO for distributor Scorpio Worldwide is not keen on using the label to describe the products in the company’s own wide portfolio. “I don’t use this term as for me it is a contradiction – luxury should mean quality, longevity, style etc, and here I think of brands like Hermès, Rolex who use the best materials etc. “‘Affordable luxury’ could be seen


“Yes, we would certainly consider ourselves an affordable luxury brand. The definition of both ‘affordable’ and ‘luxury’ are however open to interpretation.”


Neil Thompson, Sales Director, Infinity & Co


consider ourselves an affordable luxury brand. The definition of both ‘affordable’ and ‘luxury’ are however open to interpretation.” TR is well supported by premium


Above: Ted Baker is widely thought of as an affordable luxury fashion brand.


Right: Infinity & Co says it wears the affordable luxury label with pride, but admits it is subjective.


would place itself firmly within the category. “Fraas scarves can definitely be seen as affordable luxury,” adds Ruehrschneck. “Either because they offer a cutting-edge fashion look at an affordable price or because even our premium products made out of natural fibres (e.g. silk or cashmere) still enjoy ‘accessible pricing.” Jewellery brand, Infinity & Co Sales


This content is for subscribers only.


Director, Neil Thompson believes the label suits his company too. However, he is also aware that it is subjective. “Yes, we would certainly


luxury as a product that has many similarities to a product offered by a ‘premium’ brand but at a significant


PRICE RANGE INCLUSIVE OF AFFORDABLE LUXURY PER CATEGORY


2


Jewelry / Watches


www.trbusiness.com/subscriptions 76%


2


Fashion / Accessories


2


Confectionery / Fine Food


49% 43% 0% 8% 25-50 USD 51-100 USD101-150 USD 151+ USD 34 TRBUSINESS 0% 18% 25-50 USD 51-100 USD101-150 USD 151+ USD 47% 35% 24% 0% 0% 25-50 USD 51-100 USD101-150 USD 151+ USD


To receive a full digital copy of the February issue, plus 12 monthly print editions and the critically acclaimed TRBusiness Top 10 International Operators Report, please visit


luxury brands, adds Thompson: “The combination of high footfall, premium spec retail environment and a high demographic consumer ensures that TR is a channel that attracts significant marketing investment from the luxury sector. “As mentioned, and


luxury


affordability are loose terms and what may be affordable to a typical Korean traveller may not be affordable to a typical Indian passenger. “I would define affordable


as fashion labels at low prices, but I don’t see this as luxury; more high perception of value at a lower cost.” However, despite the fact that he


disagrees with the terminology, he does believe that what some might call ‘affordable luxury’ products, are crucial to DF&TR. “They are for sure important in TR, as they give travelling consumers the ability to purchase aspirational brands as self-purchases or gifts, at prices which are accessible.” Rebecca Harwood-


Lincoln, Director of Business Development & Director Travel Retail agrees with McGuire and believes that retailers and concessionaires place too much of an emphasis on super


premium brands and products. “It is hard for new brands to break


into the TR channel as trade buyers would prefer to buy a known brand, rather than taking what is perceived as a ‘risk’ with a new brand launching in travel retail with successful sales being reported in domestic markets.” Trade buyers should consider that


by adding more affordable luxury frames into their assortment they will also sell larger volumes, and this will still bring in excellent revenue,” insists Harwood-Lincoln, “Passengers are looking for a wide


selection of products to choose from at the opening, mid and premium price points…Innovation is always essential, as in our experience this helps retailers to interact with consumers.” «


FEBRUARY 2019


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60