...Louis Vuitton in Japan Q1. What has made LV business model successful in the Japanese luxury market? Ans. I would like to demonstrate the success of the Business Model of ‘LV’ via the concept of Four Ps (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion). Product – In general marketers seeks ‘adequate quality’, ‘faintness of use’ etc., and too much of quality can be undesirable because it increase the cost. However, ‘LV’ handbags represented ‘products of distinctive qualities’ and ‘attention to details’. In general the concept of ‘relative quality’ is challenged by the ‘absolute quality’ which has forced customers to LV or nothing attitude. To back their products ‘LV’ has taken action against counterfeiting item by ‘Enlightenment Champagne’, involvement of French trademark authorities etc., make there product defendable. Partnership with local artist and Limited edition products has demonstrated that Product Line up and innovation are very strong parts of ‘LV’ business model in Japan. Price – Market Demands “Low Price”, this is achieved by reducing costs and off-shoring production to China and elsewhere. Louis Vuitton handbags, on the other hand, are priced high. Such high prices are unnecessary for merely stowing and carrying things. In essence, the Louis Vuitton difference is value, not price—this being absolute value, not relative value. Many of the principles for Price were innovations that came about after Kyojiro Hata became president of Louis Vuitton Japan and...
Words: 914 - Pages: 4
...This case study deals with the opportunities and challenges of Louis Vuitton, the leading European luxury sector multinational firm, in Japan, taking into account the unique features of brand management, and integrating culture and consumer behaviour in Japan. In the last decade, Japan has been Louis Vuitton's most profitable market, but it seems that the global economic crisis has resulted in a decline in sales. Facing a weak economy and a shift in consumer preferences, Louis Vuitton has been adapting its unique strategy in the Japanese market. The days of relying on a logo and charging a high price seem to be gone as there is more interest in craftsmanship and value for money. To promote sales, the company has had to launch less expensive collections made with cheaper materials. The brand has also been opening stores in smaller cities, where the lure of the logo still works. Over the years, Japanese consumers have demonstrated fascination with and passion for the iconic brand. What have been the keys to Louis Vuitton's successful business model in the Japanese market? This case was written to help students develop their analytical and strategic decision skills. The case aims at helping in developing a business model, adapting to a new cultural environment, recommending a course of action for further strategic moves, identifying issues and eventually enhancing multidisciplinary decision making. This case can be used to discuss 1) the complexity of multinational business, particularly...
Words: 276 - Pages: 2
...Executive Summary The aim of this paper is to discuss the key strategic issues that LVMH faced in Japan and established some future recommendations that can be implemented in order for LVMH to remain successful in the luxury industry. In order to determine the key strategic issues a number of analysis tools were applied to the case study; they include Porter's 5 forces model and SWOT analysis. Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, a luxury goods provider is looking to expand their brand dominance in Japan. In the Japanese, LVMH has to deal with economical and cultural uncertainties, the threat of counterfeit products and the relatively high competition, and finally changing tastes of Japanese consumers. LVMH should use their core competencies and limit their weaknesses to overcome the challenges that face the company in Japan. To face their first challenge of economical and cultural, as well as changing tastes uncertainties, the company can hire new designers to develop Asian inspired products. They could also embed the European way of living into the Asian lifestyle. The challenge of eliminating counterfeit products can be combated by creating a unique shopping experience for LV’s customers, and shutting down large counterfeit operations, by cooperating with Chinese and Korean Government Agencies in reducing counterfeit products. Table of Contents Introduction 4 Weak economy 5 Changing taste 7 Competitors 8 Competition – Porter’s 5 forces analysis...
Words: 6216 - Pages: 25
...and Strategy Author: Jessica Rushing Professor: Dr. Andryce Zurick Date: May 18, 2015 Louis Vuitton in Japan Company Name: Louis Vuitton Topic of the Week: External and Global Environment Synopsis of the Situation As of 2009, the Japanese market accounted for 45 percent of all luxury goods sold globally (Pearce & Robinson, 2013, p 14-11). Louis Vuitton preemptively identified Japan as a location that would help boost sales and brand loyalty, opening its first store in Japan in 1977 (Pearce & Robinson, 2013, p 14-14). The brand is facing some challenges as it attempts to continue seeing growth in the Japanese market. These challenges include competition, reduced location product availability, and counterfeit products to name a few. Due to the fact this country currently accounts for a large percentage of luxury goods being sold, the competition is at an all time high. Louis Vuitton faces challenges while battling rivals such as Bulgari, Gucci, Coach, and similar companies. Competition in the marketplace is a strong component of any company’s external environment. According to our text, an external environment includes, “the factors beyond the control of the firm that influence its choice of direction and action, organizational structure, and internal processes (Pearce & Robinson, 2013, p 87). In addition, Louis Vuitton has limited its targeted demographic to individuals that can afford high-end luxury items. This forces an increased...
Words: 1382 - Pages: 6
...Louis Vuitton is the world’s biggest luxury brand for bags and accessories. It was established in France, Europe in year 1854. Louis Vuitton brand and company is an international well-established firm named after the founder and designer Louis Vuitton. Following the death of Louis Vuitton in 1892, his son, Georges Vuitton took over the leadership of the firm. He was ambitious about taking Louis Vuitton to the next step — building a global brand and setting up a multinational corporation. In year 1885, LV opened its first oversees store in London. In 1936, Gaston-Louis Vuitton took over the direction of the company when his father, Georges Vuitton, passed away. He guided the brand into its modern age. The company expanded its product line by applying the craftwork and design of its leather to small leather goods. In the mid 1970s, Louis Vuitton had become the world’s biggest luxury brand in terms of market share. Louis Vuitton entered Japanese market in year 1968, and it came the most popular luxury brand in Japan. In year 1970, LV opened its first stores in Japan, which had revenue of $1 Million on its first day. By 1977, the company owned two stores in Japan with annual profits of US$10 million Until Louis Vuitton, the strategy for business in Japan for multinational companies was to send their products through Japanese distributors. LV was the first company that took different approach and strategy of opening its own store in Japan. LV also hired Japan’s top designer...
Words: 2215 - Pages: 9
...LOUIS VUITTON IN JAPAN -CASE #14 REVIEW LOUIS VUITTON IN THE JAPANESE MARKET ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to review the Louis Vuitton business model and the success experienced in the Japanese marketplace. This paper will discuss opportunities and challenges that have been realized by the Louis Vuitton brand while located in Japan, and the specifics to the Japanese luxury market. A review of how the Louis Vuitton brand first entered the Japanese marketplace, the cultural aspects related to social status and luxury goods, which that have helped with the sales growth for the company’s products. Along with tactics embraced later on to strengthen its brand will also be reviewed. The appeal of the Louis Vuitton luxury high priced product, and how the French company’s image helped to sell itself to Japanese consumers with disposable income will be analyzed. The success of various marketing strategies, utilizing the images of actresses to help launch a successful sales campaign will be reviewed. Along with a review of the company’s success by working with various fashion designers to create colorful fashion trends with Japanese inspired themes, through the collaborative work with well-known Japanese artists. The global recession, its effect on the Louis Vuitton product line and sales will be analyzed along with new challenges the company faces for the future. Finally, a discussion on the future success for...
Words: 2754 - Pages: 12
...In Japan, whether you are in Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya, just turn your head and Louis Vuitton is everywhere. The celebration of the 30th anniversary of the presence of the illustrious, glittering French multinational in Japan took place in Aoyama, one of Tokyo’s fashionable districts. A unique vision of luxury took shape when Louis Vuitton opened yet another new store inside Comme des Garçons on September 4, 2008, in the heart of Japan’s capital. The pop-up store situated on the prestigious Omotesando Street was an illustration of Louis Vuitton’s attachment to the Japanese luxury market. Yves Carcelle, chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, said, “This project not only brings a new meaning to luxury, but also speaks volumes about how the know-how and heritage of Louis Vuitton have always been perceived in Japan, including by its foremost designers. We are very proud to have been able to help Rei Kawakubo2 relive her memories in such an original and creative way.”3The Omotesando guerrilla marketing event reflected Louis Vuitton’s success in Japan. Louis Vuitton had been following an aggressive marketing strategy in the country, opening extravagant stores such as those in Ginza or Roppongi.Take a walk on Ginza’s main street, Chuo Dori, the centre of a paradise for shoppers, with longestablished department stores, such as Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya and Matsuzakaya. Continue through the high-end fashion street Namiki-dori. Stop. There it is. You have reached the massive flagship...
Words: 7967 - Pages: 32
... of Louis Vuitton - Details of Marketing Principles by Shin'ya Nagasawa* Abstract: By systematicallybreaking down the strategy of the single Louis Vuitton luxury brand into the four Ps (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion), our aim in this paper is to extract the rules or principles of its brand marketing that differ from that of general consumer goods. In other words, the object is to distill the rules and principles of success strategies for luxury brands as well as to derive a business model for success. Showing that the current rise of Louis Vuitton is not a coincidence but rather something achieved through strategy will surely be of interest to firms struggling with lack of brand power or those looking to boost brand power. 1. Introduction Consumers like brand items, while researchers like brand theory. Although scholars also use the word "brand" to refer to the likes of Coca-Cola and McDonald's, there is a vast gulf between these brands and the luxury brands we explored in the previous book. In researchers' brand management theories, one rarely finds mention of representative luxury brands like Louis Vuitton or Dior, or of LVMH. Based on this awareness, we carefully scrutinized the ecology of the unique LVMH firm, considering the nature of the brand as distinct from commodity markets, although * Shin'ya Nagasawa is a professor of MOT (Management of Technology) at Waseda Business School, Graduate School of Commerce, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan, and also...
Words: 7622 - Pages: 31
...Not many people know that the Japanese consume Louis Vuitton more than rest of the world combined. Normal retail from 46 stores amounts to 1/3 of Louis Vuitton's annual sales. The retail stores in Japan cannot keep their stock adequate, so frustrated Japanese go overseas to purchase from Duty Free Shops and retail stores. Non-Vuitton shops also buy Louis Vuitton from overseas for regular retail prices (there's NO wholesale to ANYBODY) to resell them at their stores for higher prices. Vuitton lovers would buy them for over retail prices from non-Vuitton stores, figuring it is still a lot cheaper than going overseas themselves! Remember, Japan fits comfortably in the State of California. Can you imagine this many Louis Vuitton retail stores in your state? Half to 2/3 of Louis Vuitton's entire production are being consumed in Japan. The official number (1/3) can only be shown based upon the total sales within Japan, within their direct retail stores. A friend of mine went to the opening celebration of the largest Louis Vuitton retail store in the world--in Tokyo. He has sent me a few pictures to show you. This is an 8-story building, with additional 2 basement floors. Only B1 to L4 are open to public. Celebrities showed up, wearing $100,000 worth of apparel, purses, and jewelry by Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton designed a "special edition" city bag to celebrate this new store (1,000 pieces, but rumor has it that only 180 hit the store). Needless to say, they all sold out soon...
Words: 277 - Pages: 2
...challenges of Louis Vuitton, the leading European luxury sector multinational firm, in Japan, the second largest economy in the world. The case illustrates the business strategy of Louis Vuitton in an important market, taking into account the unique features of brand management, and integrating culture and consumer behaviour in Japan. In the last decade, Japan has been Louis Vuitton’s most profitable market, representing almost half of its profits, but it seems that the global economic crisis has resulted in a decline in sales. Other European brands in the luxury and fashion sectors have also been generating one third of their profits from Japan. Facing a weak economy and a shift in consumer preferences, Louis Vuitton has been adapting its unique strategy in the Japanese market, taking into account consumer behaviour patterns. The days of relying on a logo and charging a high price seem to be gone as there is more interest in craftsmanship and value for money. To promote sales, the company has had to launch less expensive collections made with cheaper materials. The brand has also been opening stores in smaller cities, where the lure of the logo still works. Louis Vuitton may be French, but Japan has become a land full of Louis Vuitton lovers. Over the years, Japanese consumers have demonstrated fascination with and passion for the iconic brand. What have been the keys to Louis Vuitton’s successful...
Words: 329 - Pages: 2
...October 14, 2013 Louis Vuitton Case Study 1. What has made Louis Vuitton’s business model successful in the Japanese luxury market? Louis Vuitton’s business model in Japan is truly extraordinary in the way they use product, price, place, and promotion. The company was founded on producing products of the highest quality by Louis Vuitton Malletier in 1854. LV continuous effort to innovate their product through partnerships with local artist to create limited product lines and never deviate from the founding father’s vision is directly related to LV’s success. Louis Vuitton’s product image in the consumers mind is so important that they are taken huge measures in preventing counterfeiting of their product globally. The next portion of the LV’s business model is price. For a majority of company’s price is determined all by market demand and can fluctuate in order to stimulate or maintain consumer demand. For LV it is different, their products are priced unnecessarily high all the time despite what the market demand is. They do this because LV products are luxurious status symbols and in this sense offer absolute value out of a purchase. If the company prices their item any lower than what the current price is then the LV label will hold its social value. LV’s choice of place is unique because they only sell from a very small number of stores of which are mostly owned by the company. This is unique because traditionally an increase and sales can directly...
Words: 738 - Pages: 3
...Louis Vuitton Analysis Mary Askew American Public University Abstract Louis Vuitton is a brand of luxury items. It was started by an avid trunk makers and is now currently the top luxury brand provider for the tenth year straight. Louis Vuitton has been able to sustain its leadership in this competitive field by being innovative and garnering the best team the company can have. The leaders keep close tabs on the inner workings and control all aspects of products from manufacturing to sales.They are always looking to expand and increase market share. This paper will take a look at how Louis Vuitton maintain such a strong presence on the global stage. Louis Vuitton Analysis Louis Vuitton’s Business Model Luxury brands, generally speaking, have not fared well during the past few years. The industry (luxury items) declined by billions of dollars. Writers for luxurydaily.com said the “air of rarity” was in peril. The global recession put luxury markets in a downward spiral. That is, except for Louis Vuitton (LV) and Chanel. The LV brand held onto the number one spot it has held for the past ten years. This year has seen an increase in profitability upwards of 16 percent, almost triple that of 6 percent last year. (King, 2015) The Louis Vuitton business model implements innovative and alluring ways of capturing new audiences. For instance, the company added social media and the likes of snapchat to their traditional modes of marketing. The management company for the LV...
Words: 1268 - Pages: 6
...margins associated with Vuitton handbags, gun cases, and luggage dis- playing the distinctive beige-on-brown latticework LV monogram. Louis Vuitton SA spends $10 million annually battling counterfeiters in Turkey, Thailand, China, Morocco, South Korea, and Italy. Some of the money is spent on lobbyists who represent the company’s interests in meetings with foreign government officials. Yves Carcelle, chairman of Louis Vuitton SA, recently explained, “Almost every month, we get a govern- ment somewhere in the world to destroy canvas, or finished products.” Another problem is a flourishing gray market. Givenchy and Christian Dior’s Dune fragrance are just two of the luxury perfume brands that are sometimes diverted from authorized channels for sale at mass-market retail outlets. LVMH and other luxury goods marketers recently found a new way to combat gray market imports into the United States. In March 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand an appeals court ruling prohibiting a discount drugstore chain from selling Givenchy perfume without permission. Parfums Givenchy USA had claimed that its distinctive packaging should be protected under U.S. copyright law. The ruling means that Costco, Walmart, and other discounters cannot sell some imported fragrances without authorization. Opportunities and Challenges in Asia Asia—particularly Japan—is a key region for LVMH and its competi- tors. The financial turmoil of the late 1990s and the subsequent currency devaluations and weakening...
Words: 1694 - Pages: 7
...2. The strength of Louis Vuitton is in its strong, established brand image and international presence. Brand name is what allows the company to de-commoditize luxury products and extract premium from the market. Throughout its history Louis Vuitton has developed a reputation for providing its customers both quality and unique product image. Louis Vuitton products distinguish themselves on five key traits: high prices, excellent quality, aesthetic and emotional value, rich brand history and uniqueness. Solid business model and rapid expansion overseas proved to be a great platform to help establish a high-end international brand image. Ability to control its distribution channels allows Louis Vuitton to capture value added instead of giving it to the middlemen such as suppliers and retailers and to deliver the best quality goods to the customers. Owning shops gives Vuitton control over level of stock, presentation and pricing. Additionally, LVMH is the most highly diversified luxury goods company. Even though LVMH is an acronym of three brands: Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, the company owns over 50 brands: 13 apparel and leather goods brands, 20 wines and spirits, 6 retail brands, 10 perfumes, 5 watches and jewelry. This multi-brand strategy that LVMH adopted is another company’s strength. Opportunities exist for Louis Vuitton to continue with its current strategies of establishing large branches worldwide. Louis Vuitton products are designed for wealthy individuals, who demand...
Words: 409 - Pages: 2
...Luxury Brand Strategy of Louis Vuitton Shin'ya NAGASAWA* * Graduate School of Commerce, Waseda University Tokyo, Japan, nagasawa@waseda.jp Abstract: By systematically breaking down th e strategy of the single Louis Vuitton luxury brand into the four Ps (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion), our aim in this paper is to extract the rules or principles of its brand marketing that differ from that of general consumer goods. In other words, the object is to distill the rules and principles of success strategies for luxury brands as well as to derive a busi ness m odel for success. Showing that the current rise of Louis V uitton is not a coincidence but rath er so mething ach ieved th rough strat egy will su rely b e of in terest to firm s struggling with lack of brand power or those looking to boost brand power. Key words: luxury brand, brand management, Louis Vuitton. 1. Introduction Consumers like brand items, while researchers like brand theory. Although scholars also use the word “brand” to refer to the likes of Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, there is a vast gulf between these brands and the luxury brands we e xplored i n t he p revious b ook. I n researchers’ brand m anagement theories, one r arely fi nds m ention o f representative luxury brands like Louis Vuitton or Dior, or of LVMH. Based on this awareness, we carefully scrutinized the ecology of the unique LVMH firm, considering the nature of the brand as distinct from commodity markets, although small in scale...
Words: 396 - Pages: 2
