Marketing of Tiffany
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The luxury goods industry quickly rebounded following the United States economic downturn in 2001, partly due to the increasing trend of middle-income American consumers demanding luxury at every level. Within the luxury industry, the jewelry sector is largest with global retail sales amounting to $150 billion.
Tiffany & Co. (“Tiffany”) currently holds the leading position within the jewelry industry with a 19 percent share of the $50,000-plus jewelry industry. Tiffany recognized the growing number of consumers demanding luxury at mid-level prices and decided to use this trend to its advantage by appealing to these middle-income Americans. Tiffany did this by adding less expensive items to its collection, including more sterling silver, which appeals to younger women as some items retail for as low as $100.
With 2002 revenues of almost $190 million, analysts believe Tiffany’s earnings will continue to increase through future store expansion, which management hopes to increase by 5 percent annually. This would total 173 worldwide stores by the end of 2007.
Upon realizing the strength of its brand and the image its blue box portrays, Tiffany also plans to continue launching new product lines, taking advantage of the growing popularity of branding among jewelry consumers today.
However, with all of Tiffany’s current success, some analysts worry that the company may dilute its luxury brand image with its attempts to make the blue box accessible to the lower end. Tiffany, therefore, must focus on assuring its affluent customers that the quality of its products and service has not lessened even though its brand has become more affordable.
This research proposal discusses the fine jewelry sector within the luxury goods industry, focusing on Tiffany & Co.’s (“Tiffany”) position among its high-class competitors and fine jewelry consumers. The paper begins with an overview of the luxury goods industry and current trends within
The luxury goods industry quickly rebounded following the United States economic downturn in 2001, partly due to the increasing trend of middle-income American consumers demanding luxury at every level. Within the luxury industry, the jewelry sector is largest with global retail sales amounting to $150 billion.
Tiffany & Co. (“Tiffany”) currently holds the leading position within the jewelry industry with a 19 percent share of the $50,000-plus jewelry industry. Tiffany recognized the growing number of consumers demanding luxury at mid-level prices and decided to use this trend to its advantage by appealing to these middle-income Americans. Tiffany did this by adding less expensive items to its collection, including more sterling silver, which appeals to younger women as some items retail for as low as $100.
With 2002 revenues of almost $190 million, analysts believe Tiffany’s earnings will continue to increase through future store expansion, which management hopes to increase by 5 percent annually. This would total 173 worldwide stores by the end of 2007.
Upon realizing the strength of its brand and the image its blue box portrays, Tiffany also plans to continue launching new product lines, taking advantage of the growing popularity of branding among jewelry consumers today.
However, with all of Tiffany’s current success, some analysts worry that the company may dilute its luxury brand image with its attempts to make the blue box accessible to the lower end. Tiffany, therefore, must focus on assuring its affluent customers that the quality of its products and service has not lessened even though its brand has become more affordable.
This research proposal discusses the fine jewelry sector within the luxury goods industry, focusing on Tiffany & Co.’s (“Tiffany”) position among its high-class competitors and fine jewelry consumers. The paper begins with an overview of the luxury goods industry and current trends within