We’ve been following along with the story of Louis Vuitton’s very publicly shifting accessories strategy very closely, and each time we update you on it, you guys have a lot to say. The story and Vuitton’s attitudes toward its customers bring out a lot of opinions, both for and against the brand’s attempts to shift its focus to a more leather-centric, higher-dollar customer, but we’ve never asked you guys straight-up whether or not the shift has affected your own purchasing behavior. Today, we want to find out.
First, we figure that you guys fit into two groups: people who consider themselves current Vuitton customers and those who do not. For those who consider them customers, especially those of you who buy primarily from the canvas lines (monogram or otherwise), do you feel slighted by LV’s attitude toward its entry-level customers? Do you consider yourself an entry-level costumer of the brand? Do you feel less likely to shop with Vuitton because of its attitude, and if you do, where will you be spending your handbag dollars in the future?
If you’re not currently a Louis Vuitton customer but shop from other high-end handbag lines, this shift in Vuitton’s strategy is targeted toward you. Do you find the idea of more discreet, logo-absent Vuitton leather goods interesting? Would you be willing to spend $4,000 or more on a leather bag from the brand if you liked the design and thought the materials merited the price, or do visions of teenagers carrying monogram Neverfulls dance in your head no matter what? Will the upcoming change in creative leadership, rumored to be focused on former Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere, affect your opinion, or do you feel like your perceptions of Louis Vuitton are already set in stone, for better or for worse?
