Anyone see this YahooFinance article on Coach?

[HesitantShopper]

I don't and won't disagree they need to get back to basics... some of the newer bags prices are well, i raise an eyebrow.. how well these new bags will go over at these prices will remain to be seen.

Frankly, what bothers me is you lay that out only to find in a few months it's at the factory store for half price or they have made a "sister/brother" of the model.

The factory stores are their bread and butter and are not going anywhere but i would prefer they make good bags that represent the brand decently and not keep knocking their boutique lines off..

I like Coach, probably always will have something by them but the directions they take make me dizzy.

 

[ame]

I don't and won't disagree they need to get back to basics... some of the newer bags prices are well, i raise an eyebrow.. how well these new bags will go over at these prices will remain to be seen.

Frankly, what bothers me is you lay that out only to find in a few months it's at the factory store for half price or they have made a "sister/brother" of the model.

The factory stores are their bread and butter and are not going anywhere but i would prefer they make good bags that represent the brand decently and not keep knocking their boutique lines off..

I like Coach, probably always will have something by them but the directions they take make me dizzy.

Doing that "sister / brother" thing may just cannibalize their own brand. I wonder if they do that because they figure it is the only way to sell those designs to people who will ONLY go to the outlets? Do that but with lower end materials?

I do think if they would focus on what got them here to start --- the originals, and at that level of quality --- they'd win a lot of people back to the brand--including that age group. Things go in cycles, everything that is in goes out so fast, but craftsmanship seems to make a difference, knowing where it came from does seem to matter to a lot of people in that younger generation. I don't know that those bags would be able to command that level of price point, but who knows. Considering they are constantly asked about the old school bags, you'd think someone there would take the hint. Do the trendy stuff at the outlets. Make that the gateway drug to the main line boutiques.

 

[Hobbsy]

Doing that "sister / brother" thing may just cannibalize their own brand. I wonder if they do that because they figure it is the only way to sell those designs to people who will ONLY go to the outlets? Do that but with lower end materials?

I do think if they would focus on what got them here to start --- the originals, and at that level of quality --- they'd win a lot of people back to the brand--including that age group. Things go in cycles, everything that is in goes out so fast, but craftsmanship seems to make a difference, knowing where it came from does seem to matter to a lot of people in that younger generation. I don't know that those bags would be able to command that level of price point, but who knows. Considering they are constantly asked about the old school bags, you'd think someone there would take the hint. Do the trendy stuff at the outlets. Make that the gateway drug to the main line boutiques.

You should turn a business plan into Coach.

 

[HesitantShopper]

Doing that "sister / brother" thing may just cannibalize their own brand. I wonder if they do that because they figure it is the only way to sell those designs to people who will ONLY go to the outlets? Do that but with lower end materials?

I do think if they would focus on what got them here to start --- the originals, and at that level of quality --- they'd win a lot of people back to the brand--including that age group. Things go in cycles, everything that is in goes out so fast, but craftsmanship seems to make a difference, knowing where it came from does seem to matter to a lot of people in that younger generation. I don't know that those bags would be able to command that level of price point, but who knows. Considering they are constantly asked about the old school bags, you'd think someone there would take the hint. Do the trendy stuff at the outlets. Make that the gateway drug to the main line boutiques.

I do not really get the point behind being their own rip off artists. It most definitely muddies the waters.

Your idea on the trendy stuff at outlets is not bad, to me they belong at lower price points, the classics that go the distance are worth the higher values if they have the quality to back them up. Perhaps some are willing to lay out larger sums for trendy i know i am not one of them however.

Give me a classic looking, nicely made with gorgeous leather bag that lasts years and you will win my dollars otherwise i go elsewhere...

 

[ame]

I do not really get the point behind being their own rip off artists. It most definitely muddies the waters.

Your idea on the trendy stuff at outlets is not bad, to me they belong at lower price points, the classics that go the distance are worth the higher values if they have the quality to back them up. Perhaps some are willing to lay out larger sums for trendy i know i am not one of them however.

Give me a classic looking, nicely made with gorgeous leather bag that lasts years and you will win my dollars otherwise i go elsewhere...

Totally agree with that.

 

[brae]

Being in that age group.. although the latter, I have been around the younger ones for a long time. Even though I keep getting older, new ones cycle in. I don't live in a fashionably progressive area. Gonna chime in and rant a little though.

I know I am minority but I have always cared about quality. I got my first vintage coach at age 21 for $80 a crap-ton of money for me then and wouldn't blink an eye at now. I could immediately tell it was different than anything I've ever owned before. I've purchased a couple FP coach bags over the years but they don't hold a candle to the 4 vintage USA/NYC babies I have now. The desire for quality has spilled over to all aspects of my material possessions. People around me would die if they knew what I spend on things compared to their spendings but they also don't experience getting their shoes re-soled and keeping things for years.

No one around me in that age group (edit: the younger part of that age group) cares about quality. It's the brand that matters, it's cheap cost and it's fast fashion. It's polyester and PVC. But they don't even know what they are missing out on. I agree with the article that they tend to spend more on beauty products.

I don't think the majority of people know what they are buying at the outlets are potentially lesser quality than FP. I truly don't think they care anyway.

I am happy my eyes were opened at a younger age (and that includes diamonds too)

 

[HesitantShopper]

Being in that age group.. although the latter, I have been around the younger ones for a long time. Even though I keep getting older, new ones cycle in. I don't live in a fashionably progressive area. Gonna chime in and rant a little though.

I know I am minority but I have always cared about quality. I got my first vintage coach at age 21 for $80 a crap-ton of money for me then and wouldn't blink an eye at now. I could immediately tell it was different than anything I've ever owned before. I've purchased a couple FP coach bags over the years but they don't hold a candle to the 4 vintage USA/NYC babies I have now. The desire for quality has spilled over to all aspects of my material possessions. People around me would die if they knew what I spend on things compared to their spendings but they also don't experience getting their shoes re-soled and keeping things for years.

No one around me in that age group (edit: the younger part of that age group) cares about quality. It's the brand that matters, it's cheap cost and it's fast fashion. It's polyester and PVC. But they don't even know what they are missing out on. I agree with the article that they tend to spend more on beauty products.

I don't think the majority of people know what they are buying at the outlets are potentially lesser quality than FP. I truly don't think they care anyway.

I am happy my eyes were opened at a younger age (and that includes diamonds too)

Good for you. I taught my daughters to not only buy Quality but to demand it of the products they choose.

 

[Hyacinth]

I'll take quality over fashion any day, and would have done the same back when I was in that age group too. When my mom bought my clothing and accessories, she insisted on buying good quality that would last forever, and would drag me down to Marshall Field's downtown once or twice a year to shop. She had worked at Field's for years and almost all our furniture and furnishings had been bought there. Nothing ever wore out. In fact I still use her old bedroom suite that she bought 70 years ago in our spare bedroom..

So classic and vintage Coach purses are what I prefer - I bought my first Coaches from Field's and never had any of those wear out either! And I don't care if I'm not Coach's target demographic, I stopped reading fashion magazines a long time ago and buy handbags to please myself, not to impress the cashier at the local grocery store. Give me a classic style and high quality leather and workmanship any day of the week.

 

[whateve]

I honestly wish they hadn't gotten rid of the Poppy line. I know it no longer fits with the image they are trying to cultivate, but I loved Poppy. Every year I looked forward to the new Poppy designs, especially in summer. And the price points were reasonable, I could afford to buy a new Poppy bag every season.
I am laughing about the idea of a "13-year old It Girl" though. When I was 13 purses were the last thing on my mind! Not to mention expensive ones!

Exactly! How many 13 year olds have access to that much money and are allowed to make these purchasing decisions without a parent's approval? I'd say most of them are only carrying expensive bags because their parents bought them. My 23 year old daughter has several Coach bags but only because I paid for them.

I'm carrying a Poppy bag today!

Being in that age group.. although the latter, I have been around the younger ones for a long time. Even though I keep getting older, new ones cycle in. I don't live in a fashionably progressive area. Gonna chime in and rant a little though.

I know I am minority but I have always cared about quality. I got my first vintage coach at age 21 for $80 a crap-ton of money for me then and wouldn't blink an eye at now. I could immediately tell it was different than anything I've ever owned before. I've purchased a couple FP coach bags over the years but they don't hold a candle to the 4 vintage USA/NYC babies I have now. The desire for quality has spilled over to all aspects of my material possessions. People around me would die if they knew what I spend on things compared to their spendings but they also don't experience getting their shoes re-soled and keeping things for years.

No one around me in that age group (edit: the younger part of that age group) cares about quality. It's the brand that matters, it's cheap cost and it's fast fashion. It's polyester and PVC. But they don't even know what they are missing out on. I agree with the article that they tend to spend more on beauty products.

I don't think the majority of people know what they are buying at the outlets are potentially lesser quality than FP. I truly don't think they care anyway.

I am happy my eyes were opened at a younger age (and that includes diamonds too)

I agree with you. When I complained about crossgrain leather at the outlets, the SAs told me people like it because it is easy care. I think most of the younger part of that age group don't have anything to compare the products with, and their idea of quality isn't the same as mine. They would probably think glove-tanned leather is lesser quality because it scratches easily and is prone to staining. Lots of people, young or old, would think that a saffiano bag that still looks new after a year of use is a better investment. How people define quality varies by the person.

 

[Jesabella]

when i complained about crossgrain leather at the outlets, the sas told me people like it because it is easy care. I think most of the younger part of that age group don't have anything to compare the products with, and their idea of quality isn't the same as mine. They would probably think glove-tanned leather is lesser quality because it scratches easily and is prone to staining. Lots of people, young or old, would think that a saffiano bag that still looks new after a year of use is a better investment. How people define quality varies by the person.

+1

 

[HesitantShopper]

Exactly! How many 13 year olds have access to that much money and are allowed to make these purchasing decisions without a parent's approval? I'd say most of them are only carrying expensive bags because their parents bought them. My 23 year old daughter has several Coach bags but only because I paid for them.

I'm carrying a Poppy bag today!

I agree with you. When I complained about crossgrain leather at the outlets, the SAs told me people like it because it is easy care. I think most of the younger part of that age group don't have anything to compare the products with, and their idea of quality isn't the same as mine. They would probably think glove-tanned leather is lesser quality because it scratches easily and is prone to staining. Lots of people, young or old, would think that a saffiano bag that still looks new after a year of use is a better investment. How people define quality varies by the person.

SO true, the beauty of leather is how it ages, patina's, shows it's story so to speak, like natural wood. Somewhat intentionally and some not my kids realize this and look for items that age albeit without perfection but at the core will stand the test of time.

 

[happibug]

I don't and won't disagree they need to get back to basics... some of the newer bags prices are well, i raise an eyebrow.. how well these new bags will go over at these prices will remain to be seen.

Frankly, what bothers me is you lay that out only to find in a few months it's at the factory store for half price or they have made a "sister/brother" of the model.

The factory stores are their bread and butter and are not going anywhere but i would prefer they make good bags that represent the brand decently and not keep knocking their boutique lines off..

I like Coach, probably always will have something by them but the directions they take make me dizzy.

That (bolded) is why I moved away from buying Coach as my major bag brand. I love the brand, but I'm not a sale shopper (too impatient for the "new stuff", usually! ) and to see the fast pace at which they put stuff on sale wears me out. The Hologram bags are a perfect example. Granted, most people here got them with a PCE, but then they moved to the Semi-annual sale, and then the outlets, all within about a month after the PCE.

Doing that "sister / brother" thing may just cannibalize their own brand. I wonder if they do that because they figure it is the only way to sell those designs to people who will ONLY go to the outlets? Do that but with lower end materials?

I do think if they would focus on what got them here to start --- the originals, and at that level of quality --- they'd win a lot of people back to the brand--including that age group. Things go in cycles, everything that is in goes out so fast, but craftsmanship seems to make a difference, knowing where it came from does seem to matter to a lot of people in that younger generation. I don't know that those bags would be able to command that level of price point, but who knows. Considering they are constantly asked about the old school bags, you'd think someone there would take the hint. Do the trendy stuff at the outlets. Make that the gateway drug to the main line boutiques.

I think you make a great point, and honestly, it's one I've read here (in the Coach forum) MANY times! I was surprised people seemed upset - it's the same thing many loyal Coach buyers have said for several years. I read that article as well, and sincerely hope that Coach as a company is able to turn things around and be a strong brand again.

 

[oldbaglover]

I'll take quality over fashion any day, and would have done the same back when I was in that age group too. When my mom bought my clothing and accessories, she insisted on buying good quality that would last forever, and would drag me down to Marshall Field's downtown once or twice a year to shop. She had worked at Field's for years and almost all our furniture and furnishings had been bought there. Nothing ever wore out. In fact I still use her old bedroom suite that she bought 70 years ago in our spare bedroom..

So classic and vintage Coach purses are what I prefer - I bought my first Coaches from Field's and never had any of those wear out either! And I don't care if I'm not Coach's target demographic, I stopped reading fashion magazines a long time ago and buy handbags to please myself, not to impress the cashier at the local grocery store. Give me a classic style and high quality leather and workmanship any day of the week.

I'm with you HY!

 

[soramillay]

SO true, the beauty of leather is how it ages, patina's, shows it's story so to speak, like natural wood. Somewhat intentionally and some not my kids realize this and look for items that age albeit without perfection but at the core will stand the test of time.

I think that the saffiano thing is really just the wheel of fashion turning. Saffiano leather is priced affordably and it is trendy right now. I would say that saffiano leather is the current equivalent of the siggy fabric/canvas that was so dominant before. The next generation of cool kids will probably turn their nose up at saffiano because who knows, the next trend will be space-age leather grown in a lab!

I think it's great to have both trends and classics made available. Some people find quality young, some find it later, it's all a personal journey.

 

[ame]

Being in that age group.. although the latter, I have been around the younger ones for a long time. Even though I keep getting older, new ones cycle in. I don't live in a fashionably progressive area. Gonna chime in and rant a little though.

I know I am minority but I have always cared about quality. I got my first vintage coach at age 21 for $80 a crap-ton of money for me then and wouldn't blink an eye at now. I could immediately tell it was different than anything I've ever owned before. I've purchased a couple FP coach bags over the years but they don't hold a candle to the 4 vintage USA/NYC babies I have now. The desire for quality has spilled over to all aspects of my material possessions. People around me would die if they knew what I spend on things compared to their spendings but they also don't experience getting their shoes re-soled and keeping things for years.

No one around me in that age group (edit: the younger part of that age group) cares about quality. It's the brand that matters, it's cheap cost and it's fast fashion. It's polyester and PVC. But they don't even know what they are missing out on. I agree with the article that they tend to spend more on beauty products.

I don't think the majority of people know what they are buying at the outlets are potentially lesser quality than FP. I truly don't think they care anyway.

I am happy my eyes were opened at a younger age (and that includes diamonds too)

ESPECIALLY diamonds But just know that they are NOT an investment item.

I'll take quality over fashion any day, and would have done the same back when I was in that age group too. When my mom bought my clothing and accessories, she insisted on buying good quality that would last forever, and would drag me down to Marshall Field's downtown once or twice a year to shop. She had worked at Field's for years and almost all our furniture and furnishings had been bought there. Nothing ever wore out. In fact I still use her old bedroom suite that she bought 70 years ago in our spare bedroom..

So classic and vintage Coach purses are what I prefer - I bought my first Coaches from Field's and never had any of those wear out either! And I don't care if I'm not Coach's target demographic, I stopped reading fashion magazines a long time ago and buy handbags to please myself, not to impress the cashier at the local grocery store. Give me a classic style and high quality leather and workmanship any day of the week.

I miss the days where what you bought lasted forever. Even when I was younger, you'd buy furniture and you knew it was REAL wood. Now it's all particle board.