Gavin Neate’s Post

Great article on brand and brand collabs and how all things intertwine with how your brand is viewed from consumer to other marketers

Good things often come in threes.   When our third client came knocking at BBH, we thought it was a hoax.   A letter arrived in the post from Levi Strauss – a global denim company based in San Francisco.   At the time, we had no office, and our agency comprised of four people: the ‘B’, ‘B’ ,‘H’ and Sue Card, our EA.   Surely someone had counterfeited their letterhead.   Tentatively we called them up and asked for the marketing director: Miles Templeman.   The letter was real.   Levi Strauss was one of advertising’s most coveted accounts. The brand was about culture, rebellion, music and (of course) fashion. Its primary target was teenagers.   This was a real opportunity.   But the brand was in a bind. In an era of post-punk, the all-American, blue jean look was losing it’s cool.   When it came to pitch, executives from Levi Strauss assembled in our half-finished offices (we had to send the builders away for the morning).   Our presentation concentrated on making Levi Strauss fall in love with who they were. It was about how they should have pride in their great brand, and express it from the product out.   Focusing on durability, quality and its American-ness.   But in a way that captured imagination.   When we had finished, we expected our guests to say something like this...   “This must be a joke. You are just four people in a run-down office.” But they didn’t: we won the pitch.   Great clients aren’t convinced by polish, they look for great ideas.   #levis #agency #sales #businessofcreativity

💡 Am I the only one who hasn’t seen a shift in their business model? It’s still a heavy promotional brand, and if that’s the path to turnaround, I’m even more confused. Gap’s reliance on discounts seems to clash with any attempt to regain long-term brand equity. Historically, brands that over-leverage promotions often condition customers to expect lower prices, making it harder to charge premium rates later. What we’re seeing across the retail landscape is a shift towards experiential shopping, localized inventory, and direct-to-consumer channels. Yet, Gap seems to remain stagnant in its approach. If the turnaround strategy is based on volume-driven promotions, how sustainable is that in a retail environment where consumer expectations are evolving so rapidly? I’d be interested to hear if anyone has seen signs of deeper operational or strategic changes that could support long-term growth. #RetailTrends #BrandStrategy #FashionRetail #ConsumerBehavior #RetailInnovation #BusinessStrategy #GapTurnaround #RetailMarketing #DirectToConsumer #BrandEquity

Under the exceptional leadership of CEO Fran Horowitz, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has undergone a significant transformation. By addressing past mistakes and implementing a comprehensive rebranding strategy focused on inclusivity and diversity, she has driven the company’s remarkable resurgence. This success is the result of years of dedicated effort and commitment to doing what’s right. A recent Forbes article highlights this impressive turnaround, reporting record-breaking first-quarter earnings and a 459% stock growth over the past year, even outperforming tech giant Nvidia. In an era when many organizations have abandoned their commitments to diversity, Abercrombie & Fitch's steadfast dedication stands out. As a former employee, seeing the company thrive once again, with its evolved and inclusive approach, is both familiar and refreshingly new. This transformation is a testament to the power of embracing diversity and inclusivity, and it’s a change worth celebrating.

This article makes my former 7 years with The Gap, feel inspired for their future.

The importance of diversity in decision-making: A lesson from Bath & Body Works Last week, Bath & Body Works faced a significant PR challenge when they had to remove their "Snowed In" candle from shelves. The candle's label, intended to depict a paper snowflake, drew criticism for its unfortunate resemblance to robes worn by Ku Klux Klan members. This incident highlights the critical need for diverse perspectives in product design and marketing decisions. Bath & Body Works has acknowledged the unintentional nature of the imagery and reaffirmed their commitment to listening to their teams and customers. This situation serves as a reminder for all businesses to continually evaluate and improve their diversity and inclusion practices. Such missteps are still occurring in 2024 because racism isn't at the forefront for many brands and companies. Diverse teams can identify potential issues, prevent costly mistakes, and protect brand reputation. To ensure better outcomes, companies must prioritize diversity and inclusion at all levels. This incident with Bath & Body Works underscores why we at the Fashion and Race Database will continue our mission to decolonize fashion history and make our field more diverse and inclusive. In addition, our consultancy, Artis Solomon, works with organizations and brands to prevent crises like this from even happening.

Behind every great brand is a vibrant culture that breathes life into its identity. It’s not just about logos or products; it’s about the values, traditions, and experiences that shape how we connect with each other. 🤝 At the heart of it all are people. We interact with the soul of a brand, not just its surface. It’s the warmth of genuine connections, the authenticity of shared values, and the embrace of diverse perspectives that truly define who we are. 💡 So, let’s cultivate cultures that inspire, empower, and resonate. Because in the end, it’s not just about what we sell, but the stories we share and the relationships we build. #culture #brandidentity #authenticity #humanconnections #values

Fusion of video content on LinkedIn may assist LinkedIn to elevate ad revenue and engagement in the competive world of #socialmedia Here is an example of part promo part announcement from a professional standpoint. What do you think of LinkedIn new use of short form video? Levi Strauss & Co.

In the heart of the apparel industry, it's the strength of our relationships that sews success into every strategy. Our marketing department thrives on simple yet profound principles: **trust**, **teamwork**, and **transparency**. We share ideas as freely as we share smiles, knowing that every member brings a unique pattern to the collective design. It's this spirit of unity that helps us tailor campaigns that resonate with our audience and reflect our communal ethos. We're not just colleagues; we're collaborators, innovators, and friends. In our daily interactions, we practice patience, lend support, and celebrate each other's contributions. This cooperative behavior isn't just good for morale; it's the cornerstone of our creativity and success. #Teamwork #MarketingUnity #ApparelIndustry

Premiering Now: Esteemed "Industry Magnates" Interview with Tejas Sampat, Senior Director - PVH Corp., with FaceTime with Leaders - A WDC Initiative We are honored to premiere the "Industry Magnates" with Tejas Sampat, watch him share leadership philosophy, ideas and best practices that helped him grow in his professional and personal life. Link: https://lnkd.in/dYw6a9zg Brief about Tejas Sampat: He is a distinguished leader in the Apparel-Textiles and fashion industries, carrying over two decades of experience. His expertise encompasses globally renowned brands like Nike, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as prominent textile and apparel manufacturers and exporters. He is renowned for his adeptness in corporate responsibility, sustainability, and supply chain management, driving forward sustainable growth through innovation and collaborative efforts. His pivotal contributions, including spearheading the 3R initiative for PVH ISC and transformative projects at Nike, have led to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at PVH Corp., He leads operations across the South Asian region, underscoring his commitment to integrating sustainability regulations and circularity in the supply chain. Watch his Exclusive Interview where Tejas Sampat share his views on: *Reasons behind his interest in the Apparel-Textiles and fashion field *His most enjoyed project *His career’s 3 key challenges and ways he has overcome them *Sources of motivation for his contributions to sustainability *Values he brings to the table *Remarkable technology-led changes in his observance and foresight, in his field *His thoughts about the initiative by WDC #industrymagnates #inspirationalleaders #leaders #boardleadership #independentdirectors #CorporateGovernance, #BoardOfDirectors,#SEBI,#IndependentDirectors, #IndependentDirectorsRoles,#GovernanceBestPractices, #IndependentDirectorsNomination, #BoardOversight, #IndependentDirectorsTraining, #IndependentDirectorsAppointment, #IndependentDirectorsGuidelines, #IndependentDirectorsQualifications, #ESG, ##ESGInvesting,#ESG, #SustainableInvesting, #Sustainability, #SustainableDevelopmentGoals,#SEBI, #NonExecutiveDirector, #BoardofDirectors,#IndependentDirectorResponsibility