Mulberry appears to be turning its back on the small boutiques which once helped to establish its reputation.
Sarah Thomas of Cowbridge handbag boutique ETcetera says Mulberry told her that unless she stocked other luxury brands, it would pull its purses. Word is that the label is removing its bags from many independent stores across the United Kingdom.
“They implied that their intentions are to only supply big department stores like John Lewis and House of Fraser because they are renowned for selling designer brands,” Thomas explained.
Thomas says that her boutique delivers a more personalized service than the department stores, stocking rare styles and ordering in specialized bags to meet customer demand.
While the steps are a blow to the business and others like it, Dr. Jonathan Deacon from the University of Wales urges retailers to “look for the next Mulberry. You stocked them when they were less known and made them big – try and do it again with other up-and-coming designers. Wales is a great place for fashion, so forget Mulberry, and get on to promoting some Welsh design products.”
[Source: WalesOnline]
[Image Source: OPM Boutique]
