Explore the rise and fall of e-commerce disruptors in the luxury fashion market like Farfetch, Matches, and Net-a-Porter. Learn about the challenges of rising costs, addiction to discounting, and the implications for the industry. Discover insights on the future of shopping and the importance of personalization in enhancing the customer experience.
Luxury e-commerce giants faced challenges due to rising costs and discounting, evolving consumer preferences towards online shopping.
Successful online retailers prioritize customer experience, curated selections, and trust-based relationships for long-term growth.
Deep dives
Challenges in Luxury E-commerce
The episode examines the challenges faced by luxury fashion e-commerce giants such as Farfetch and Net-A-Porter, attributing their struggles to rising costs, an overreliance on discounting, and lack of control in the online marketplace. The shift to online shopping posed challenges for brands that were accustomed to controlled distribution strategies and strict pricing models, leading to increased competition, escalating marketing costs, and a focus on growth overshadowing profitability.
Consumer Shopping Preferences
The discussion highlights the evolving preferences of consumers in the luxury fashion sector, noting a significant shift towards online shopping, especially amongst high-spending customers. While the convenience of e-commerce is undeniable, the episode emphasizes the enduring importance of physical retail experiences, suggesting that a blend of online and offline spaces is crucial for engaging customers and building brand loyalty.
Industry Adaptation and Future Outlook
The episode explores industry-wide changes influenced by heightened competition, increased costs, and rapid growth demands. It underscores the necessity for a more supportive and trust-based relationship between retailers, brands, and suppliers to ensure mutual success. Despite the challenges, the podcast remains hopeful, pointing towards examples of successful online retailers with long-term strategies focused on customer experience, curated selections, and building lasting relationships.
Farfetch, Matches and Net-a-Porter were once fierce rivals, dominating the luxury e-commerce market. But the boom years of rapid topline expansion were dogged by rising costs and an addiction to discounting, which eroded their profits. In this episode, Vogue Business’s Kirsty McGregor and Elizabeth von der Goltz explore what exactly went wrong, what it says about the industry today, and what’s next.
Farfetch, Matches and Net-a-Porter were once fierce rivals, dominating the luxury e-commerce market. But the boom years of rapid topline expansion were dogged by rising costs and an addiction to discounting, which eroded their profits.
On the inaugural episode of Vogue Business’s Future of Shopping, presented by Worldpay, executive European editor Kirsty McGregor speaks to Elizabeth Von der Goltz, who has held C-suite roles at Matches, Browns and Farfetch, about what exactly went wrong for the wave of e-commerce disruptors, what it says about the industry today, and what’s next.
Use the code PODCAST20 to save 20 per cent when you purchase a Vogue Business membership for full access to the Future of Shopping series, as well as exclusive industry insights that will give you the edge in this competitive dynamic landscape.