Bath & Body Works delivers big sales numbers for L Brands
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As usual, the latest results from L Brands show a tale of two companies: Bath & Body Works put in a blistering performance of 8 per cent comparable growth, while Victoria’s Secret posted a highly negative drop of 6 per cent in comparable terms.
Combined, this pushed total comparable sales for the group down by 1 per cent for the second quarter.
The results from Victoria’s Secret are particularly disappointing, especially as the company has been actively improving ranges and trying to inject more fashion into its product mix. However, this does not necessarily indicate the company is on the wrong track. Among existing customers of Victoria’s Secret, the changes have been well received, but some shoppers are still drifting away from the brand, which has yet to win back much of the trade that it has lost over the past few years.
Such a win-back will only come with time and more of an effort to recast the brand image of the firm. Fortunately, management appears to have now started to understand this – hence its hesitancy on initiatives such as the annual Fashion Show. That said, the lack of clarity about whether not the show will go ahead underlines the fact that Victoria’s Secret still doesn’t have a clear view as to what it actually wants to stand for, let alone how it will go about executing such a change.
Until such clarity emerges, the performance of Victoria’s Secret will continue to suffer. The brand is still not connecting and resonating with large swathes of its target market. Indeed, Victoria’s Secret continues to be tarred with the negative connotations that surround its overt sexuality and its focus on airbrushed glamour.
“Such a win-back will only come with time and more of an effort to recast the brand image of the firm.”
Standing in marked contrast to Victoria’s Secret is Bath & Body Works. The company’s wholesome brand image and its focus on small indulgences is paying real dividends.
One of the main strengths of the chain is its range development, where seasonal lines and takes on hot trends like aromatherapy are driving repeat visits from consumers as well as lifting basket sizes. The integration of the White Barn concept in some refurbished stores is also proving to be successful and there is clearly much more potential for Bath & Body Works to develop its home scents and candles business.
From GlobalData’s customer data it is also clear that Bath & Body Works is popular due to the value for money it offers. Many items feel premium but are sold at reasonable price points, something that generates loyalty and bulk purchasing. On top of this, regular promotions also help to drive volumes through the business.
Ultimately, success at Bath & Body Works stems from the fact that the team is much more attuned to the market and consumer trends than is the case at Victoria’s Secret. The cultures at the two divisions could not be more different: Victoria’s Secret should take a leaf out of its sister brand’s playbook as it looks to reinvent itself.
Questions & Answers
Q.What were the comparable sales figures for Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works in the second quarter?
What were the comparable sales figures for Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works in the second quarter?
Victoria’s Secret saw a negative drop of 6 per cent in comparable terms, while Bath & Body Works achieved a strong 8 per cent comparable growth. This led to a 1 per cent total comparable sales decrease for the group.
Q.What are the core issues preventing Victoria’s Secret from connecting with its target market?
What are the core issues preventing Victoria’s Secret from connecting with its target market?
The brand is struggling to win back lost trade and is still associated with negative connotations of overt sexuality and airbrushed glamour. It also lacks clarity on its brand identity and future direction.
Q.Which strategies are driving the success of Bath & Body Works?
Which strategies are driving the success of Bath & Body Works?
Its wholesome image, focus on small indulgences, and strong range development with seasonal and trend-based lines are key. Good value for money, the White Barn concept, and regular promotions also contribute to its success.
Q.Why has management become hesitant about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?
Why has management become hesitant about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?
Management's hesitancy reflects a growing understanding that the brand needs to recast its image. However, the lack of clarity on the show's future highlights the brand's uncertain vision for its identity.
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