Walmart and Lord & Taylor have partnered to offer consumers the opportunity to browse through upscale fashions, through the department store's website.
This interesting collaboration marks Walmart's expansion into the world of high-end design, as the company traditionally retails affordable fashion pieces, in addition to electronics, groceries and everyday basics like pet food or toilet paper. The luxury fashion launch is set to take place for Spring 2018, and will invite consumers to access premium labels through both the department store app and website. According to Walmart's head of fashion, this partnership is tightening a demand-based gap, in which consumers are searching for higher end labels.
Lord & Taylor owns labels like Vera Wang, Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren, although its unclear what brands will be brought to the department store's catalog.
Luxury Department Store Offerings
Walmart and Lord & Taylor Will Collaborate in Spring 2018
Trend Themes
1. Luxury E-commerce Partnerships - The collaboration between Walmart and Lord & Taylor highlights the trend of traditional retailers partnering with high-end brands to offer luxury fashion online.
2. Upscale Fashion Expansion - Walmart's expansion into luxury fashion represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the company to tap into a new market segment.
3. Demand for Premium Labels - The partnership addresses the increasing consumer demand for higher-end labels, revealing an opportunity for brands to reach a wider customer base.
Industry Implications
1. E-commerce - The collaboration demonstrates the potential for e-commerce platforms to diversify their offerings by partnering with luxury department stores.
2. Retail - Walmart's move into luxury fashion presents an opportunity for traditional retail companies to expand their product range and attract a new customer segment.
3. Fashion - The collaboration between Walmart and Lord & Taylor highlights the growing importance of luxury fashion and the need for established brands to adapt their distribution strategies.