Introduction to New Look
New Look is a British fashion retailer with over 1,000 stores in the UK. It was founded in 1969 and has been owned by the British retail conglomerate, Associated British Foods, since 2004. New Look is the third largest womenswear retailer in the United Kingdom with a market share of 10.6%, behind Marks & Spencer and Next.
New Look sells affordable clothing for women, men and children. It offers a wide range of products including dresses, tops, jeans, shoes, accessories and beauty products. The company also provides an online service which delivers to over 100 countries worldwide.
History of the Brand
New Look has been one of the most popular fashion chains in the UK for many years. Founded in 1969, New Look was originally a women’s clothing store. However, it soon expanded into menswear, childrenswear, and footwear. Today, New Look is known for its affordable and trendy clothing options.
New Look has always been at the forefront of fashion trends. In the 1980s, the brand was one of the first to embrace casual wear. In the 1990s, it was one of the first retailers to start selling plus-size clothing. And in the 2000s, New Look was one of the first brands to introduce tall and petite ranges.
Despite its success, New Look has not been without its challenges. In 2015, the company was sold to French conglomerate Moulinard for £1 billion. This sale led to some store closures and job losses in the UK. However, under new ownership, New Look has since embarked on a turnaround strategy that has seen it return to profitability.
Today, New Look is once again one of the most popular fashion retailers in the UK. Thanks to its affordable prices and trend-setting styles, New Look is loved by fashionistas of all ages.
The New Look Strategy and Marketing Tactics
In 2009, British fashion chain New Look underwent a radical rebrand, refreshing its image to stay ahead of the curve and appeal to a wider range of shoppers. The company's new strategy involved a complete redesign of its stores, products and marketing campaigns.
The updated store concept was based on feedback from customers, who said they wanted a more personal shopping experience. To create a more intimate atmosphere, the chain installed lower lighting and softer furnishings. It also expanded its plus-size clothing offerings and increased the number of fitting rooms.
New Look's product line also received a makeover, with more trend-focused items and an increased focus on quality. To better communicate these changes to customers, the company launched a series of high-profile marketing campaigns featuring well-known celebrities like Daisy Lowe and Alexa Chung.
Challenges Faced by the Company
The company has experienced a number of challenges in recent years, including increased competition from online retailers, the rise of fast fashion chains, and the economic downturn. In response to these challenges, New Look has embarked on a multi-million pound transformation programme, which includes closing underperforming stores, investing in its online presence, and launching new products and services. While these initiatives have helped to boost sales and profitability in the short term, New Look faces significant challenges in the long term if it is to maintain its position as one of the UK's leading fashion retailers.
Conclusion
New Look is a great example of how fashion chains can remain popular in the UK and continue to offer customers an engaging shopping experience. By adapting their product line-up, making sure that they are always on-trend, offering value for money and providing excellent customer service, they have been able to stay ahead of the competition. With all these elements working together, it's no wonder why New Look continues to be one of the most successful fashion retailers in the UK.