Marigay McKee

The BAUDOIN & LANGE POST: EDITION 1   A New (Traditional) Way to Connect in a Digital-First World.   As we prepare to open our newest store on Madison Ave in NYC, we’ve been reflecting on how we, as a luxury brand, engage with our community and prospective clients. In a world oversaturated with digital ads—platforms competing for attention, algorithms dictating reach, and costs skyrocketing past £1 per click—it’s easy to feel disconnected as both consumers and brands navigating the unknown.   So, we’ve decided to take a different approach. Instead of relying on online ads, we’re delivering a physical, printed newspaper to over 10,000 of our closest neighbours in NYC.   The benefits of a physical touchpoint vs. a quick digital view mean much more to us:   - Longevity: A physical newspaper sticks around longer than a fleeting digital ad. It invites slower, more thoughtful engagement in a world that is crowded and loud. It allows us to tell, both visually and in writing, what makes us special—rather than being judged by a single image or video in a split second while someone is on the move. - Personal Connection: Delivered directly to our community, it feels more human—like receiving a message meant just for you. - Targeting: We know exactly who is receiving our newspaper, whereas online, this information is hidden within the black box of large platforms like Google and Meta. - Tracking: Our team has incorporated clever call-to-actions within the newspaper, enabling us to track results with full accuracy over the long term. - Storytelling: With no interruptions or algorithms, we can share our journey in a way that resonates more deeply, telling the Baudoin & Lange story the way it was meant to be told. - Cost-Effective: At half the cost of the typical CPC online, we’re able to reach people in a more direct and personal manner without the high price tag of online clicks.   This decision reflects what Baudoin & Lange stands for—craftsmanship, authenticity, and meaningful connections. Just like our shoes, we believe in taking the time to do things right.   T-7 to the opening of our new store in NYC. We’re buzzing!   Digital version (ironic, I know!) below for a slow read over a coffee.   #BaudoinAndLange #MadisonAve #NewYork #Craftsmanship

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Prepping for NYFW––or, simply want to know more about what happens behind-the-scenes? Discover my guide for the Who, Where & Wear's to know. https://lnkd.in/eqCFSRmG

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According to the latest Tenoris data, there was a surge in US jewelry sales. In October, sales increased 7.4%, aligning with retailers' observations of a sales uptick. This growth is particularly crucial as we approach the holiday season, following a stagnant period. The rise in October suggests a potentially stronger business outlook for November and December. Additionally, the boost in October sales has pushed year-to-date sales up 0.9% compared to the previous year. This indicates a positive trend in the jewelry market despite earlier challenges. The increase in sales signifies a potential recovery and optimism for the industry moving forward.

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US jewelry sales experienced a 2.5% increase in November, driven by a 4.6% year-over-year rise in the average expenditure per item by consumers.   This uptick in jewelry expenditure is part of a trend indicating a turnaround in US demand for fine jewelry. So far this year, sales have increased almost every month, as did consumers’ average expenditure.   The rise in expenditure has offset the decline in unit sales, which has been another notable trend over the past year.   Sales of diamond jewelry, both finished and store-set, exhibited a similar pattern, albeit with different dynamics. While revenue remained stable and unit sales fell, the average expenditure surged by 5.4%.   Additionally, the results for November may have been influenced by a shift in holiday selling days, as two days typically in November were moved to December 1-2. https://lnkd.in/dRi3uPWq

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Our industry is transforming everywhere we look, but our new insights series from Hill & Co., The Business of Jewelry Report, will help you plan for the future. 🔸 Supply chains are consolidating 🔸 Margins are squeezed 🔸 Consumer demands are evolving 🔸 Digital technology is driving unprecedented changes Traditional business models no longer yield the same results. We’ve all seen illustrious brands closing their doors and others that are struggling to maintain market share. Our industry is at a crossroads, but that also means there are exciting opportunities to set a new direction for your business. Our first insights report explores the challenges and opportunities of supply chain disruption, changing consumer demands, and digital innovation. Crafted by our team of in-demand growth consultants and some of the best business minds in our industry and beyond, we provide you with practical strategies, frameworks, and advice to help you shape the future of your business. Download your copy at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gjH6ei4r And thank you to Avi Krawitz for mentioning us in your weekly recap. You set a high bar for all of us!!

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The intimate apparel market has significant opportunity. As Chantal Fernandez recently reported, only 16.5% of women share that they like their bra. Excited to be quoted in Madeleine Schulz latest piece for Vogue Business on the evolving intimates market. Major opportunity exists to better serve women through different life stages with dedicated marketing and community building. “I’m a fan of speciality retailers that nail fittings exceptionally well,” she says, referencing Rigby & Peller, Bare Necessities and Town Shop. “What I’d love to see next is for one of these to grow even more to be a household name and bring in more brands. We could all really benefit from a one-stop shop for some support and discovery on the best bra fits.” There’s also room for brands to more explicitly cater to different life stages, and dedicate marketing, content and community-building to these, she adds — first bra, body changes during puberty, pregnancy, nursing and postpartum, breast cancer and masectomies, as well as body changes during perimenopause and menopause, among them. “[There’s] so much opportunity to show up and be there for the customer.” Thanks for including my perspective on this evolving market. #retail #fashion #consumerinsights #retailstrategy

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‘Chinese fast fashion giant Shein has been seeking an initial public offering for over a year now. The company was rejected for membership to the U.S.-based National Retail Federation, and numerous U.S. lawmakers including Senator Marco Rubio have expressed their support for the SEC blocking any potential U.S. IPO for the Chinese company. But now Shein has apparently abandoned its attempts to go public in the U.S. Instead, Bloomberg reported that Shein will likely IPO in London as soon as this week. The IPO would reportedly value Shein at over $64 billion, making it one of the largest IPOs in the history of the U.K. Shein, which is based in Singapore, still needs approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission for the IPO to go through. Shein is clearly shifting its strategy for reaching Western consumers. The ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China has made Shein’s U.S. inroads more difficult. In the last year, specifically as a counter to China, the U.S. has introduced legislation like the Americas Act aimed at strengthening trade and manufacturing ties between countries in the Americas.’ #apparel #retail #ipo #fastfashion

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The deeper I get into the jewelry supply chain, the more I’m going to campaign for the need to further defragment and connect it. E-commerce standards are still an absolute mess. There’s no universal ethics/sustainability standard, yet. Data structures and ERPs…my goodness. Diamond manufacturer APIs…😑 (I still love you guys though - at least you’re trying) So much to solve. I’ve heard recent horror stories from customers thinking they’re buying one thing and get another…this is a real concern out there still. Customers are STILL afraid of getting duped or misled. The middle market still has to reckon with this. It seems like top end of the supply chain does all of this incredible work to be transparent, ethical and sustainable…then by the time it reaches some of the B2B supply chain, that value gets thrown out the window and lost. Forget about it reaching the consumer accurately. No wonder the consumer is confused!

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Today Robb Report picked up and covered the findings of Collective Horology's first ever Collective Voice study. The study looked at attitudinal data, but also gave respondents the chance to answer a number of open ended questions about their feelings regarding the modern watch market. The findings, which can you read about in the attached article, paint a positive image - but not without its warnings. Collectors are still quite passionate, with 72% of respondents stating that the industry is in a “strong” or “very strong” position. However, there's still a large segment - 15% - that are not optimistic about the future of the watch industry. On the positive side, collectors want to see more risk taking and creativity from manufactures: for brand CEOs this is great news. If you were wondering if this was the year to launch that crazy project, the answer appears to be "yes." However, pricing remains a significant barrier to purchase. With the consecutive quarter-upon-quarter decline of the secondary market, new watches are now being cross-shopped with pre-owned "deals" making value and value retention a major consideration for collectors. Learn more by reading Victoria Gomelsky's coverage. https://lnkd.in/gbHGCVNe

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I’m excited to announce that Hill & Co. is launching its first-ever industry report - The Business of Jewelry. This report marks the beginning of a unique series exploring the most significant themes shaping the future of the diamond, gemstone, and jewelry industry. We all know how challenging the market landscape is at the moment: supply chains are consolidating, consumer demands are evolving and technology is transforming how we do business. Generational brands are disappearing from our malls and main streets. With every challenge, there lies a golden opportunity. This is a pivotal moment for you to reflect on the future direction of your business, and we are here to support you in this journey of growth and adaptation. Demand for fine jewelry isn’t changing, but businesses must work harder to capture their customers' attention. That may mean fine-tuning your approach or transforming your business altogether. With our market changing rapidly, we wanted to produce a report that shares our insights and gives a platform to leading business thinkers in our industry and beyond. The first edition is all about the supply chain consolidation we’re witnessing and how you should respond in your business. We normally reserve our frameworks and strategic thinking for some of the fastest-growing businesses in our industry that we’re privileged to call our clients. But today, we’re providing it to you. Download your copy at the link below, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments. Breaking the Chain — Hill & Co. https://bit.ly/3XXmtTa

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It's NYC Fashion Week! Bring some of the runway fashion trends to your wardrobe or think outside the "closet" with your existing garments. ICYMI - I shared some Fall fashion trends last week on Augusta WRDW/WAGT News 12 26 The Morning Mix. Below are a few trends to try this fall. 1. Lightweight trench coat instead of blazer 2. Mix denim with business attire. Help the sustainability movement by upcycling garments. In my example, I styled a denim skirt as a "corset" with a belt layered over a short-sleeved black dress. 3. Show off those legs in the Fall! Wear textured shorts under a long, comfy coat, or add tights to your shorts with boots. 4. Vintage Leopard is making a roaring statement this season. If you are conservative, add a leopard print scarf to your basic black, tan, or winter white garment. If you like bold colors, then add a leopard scarf to a solid red garment. What trend will you try this Fall? Watch the full segment using the link below. https://lnkd.in/eSabB_Q8

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Go big or go small? How much experience before you lose sight of the reason for its existence? That's the question for luxury retail stores as they clamor for business from finicky affluent consumers from Gens Y and Z, and by 2030, the first adult Gen Alpha's. Some brands such as Gucci and BALENCIAGA have pulled out all stops and gone humongous in their new store formats. The downside? The stores look empty from the outside. So that's the risk. And it's a fine balance. ewald damen, our Luxury Roundtable columnist from Virgile + Partners, has some thoughts on how luxury brands and retailers should adapt their stores to evolving shopper behavior. It's worth a read. We'll also be discussing this topic at our #Luxury Retail Forum New York Sept. 12, if you'd like to join us (registration link in article). #luxury #luxuryretail #luxuryretailing #retail #retailers #LuxuryRetailForum #luxurymarketing #luxuryrealestate https://lnkd.in/ddS5DSeS

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Tiffany Stevens is doing some amazing work to insure continued growth for the entire supply chain. Checkout her latest thoughts on this podcast.

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https://lnkd.in/dv4RrxAS “Then there’s the question of sustainability, which arises from the fact that we are living far outside our planetary boundaries. Gone are the days when there was no end to consumption and when we drew on our natural resources as if there were no limits. All fashion brands are facing this challenge, but with luxury comes the extra question: How can we keep hold of years of tradition while also evolving and innovating in this context? What can we keep, and what has to go? Weaving excellence into strategy means adapting to what is unexpected on the one hand and innovating on the other.” #luxurybrandmanagement #luxurysustainability #luxurybrandstrategist #innovation #tradition #excellence #branddna #luxurybusiness

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I found this article from The Business of Fashion intriguing by its title, but alas, the question posed wasn't sufficiently answered. There were a couple of points of note that, perhaps, should remain under scrutiny over the next several months. First: "Through glittering megastores, celebrity-fuelled campaigns and shrewd strategies like category segregation that confined image-driving products such as evening dresses to high price ranges, ensuring they were unattainable to most, while pitching others, such as beauty, at price points for the masses, luxury brands have long managed to sell “exclusive” goods by the millions.The marketing was so effective that as brands produced ever-higher volumes of goods, including millions of units of sneakers and sweatshirts, they were able to sacrifice quality standards to help meet growing demand and pad profit margins, all while deploying price hikes that far outpaced inflation, without triggering a backlash." And second: "After a period of post-pandemic exuberance, aspirational consumers have sharply pulled back on luxury shopping, hit by rising interest rates and a cost of living crisis, while China’s millionaire-making machine has stalled, sharpening competition for the smaller pool of wealthier clients who are still spending.In part to protect margins, brands have pushed prices higher still. The average price of luxury goods in Europe has increased by 52 percent since 2019, according to HSBC.But it’s safe to say, the price hikes have not gone down well. They’ve succeeded in pushing aspirants further away. And though the rich have the means to keep shopping, nobody likes to be taken for a ride: on social media, critics now routinely discuss rising prices and reports of deteriorating quality and wonder aloud whether luxury brands are worth it." With these two points, how would you answer the quetsion of "How long will the luxury myth last?" https://lnkd.in/e9qFg_G6

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I found this article from The Business of Fashion intriguing by its title, but alas, the question posed wasn't sufficiently answered. There were a couple of points of note that, perhaps, should remain under scrutiny over the next several months. First: "Through glittering megastores, celebrity-fuelled campaigns and shrewd strategies like category segregation that confined image-driving products such as evening dresses to high price ranges, ensuring they were unattainable to most, while pitching others, such as beauty, at price points for the masses, luxury brands have long managed to sell “exclusive” goods by the millions.The marketing was so effective that as brands produced ever-higher volumes of goods, including millions of units of sneakers and sweatshirts, they were able to sacrifice quality standards to help meet growing demand and pad profit margins, all while deploying price hikes that far outpaced inflation, without triggering a backlash." And second: "After a period of post-pandemic exuberance, aspirational consumers have sharply pulled back on luxury shopping, hit by rising interest rates and a cost of living crisis, while China’s millionaire-making machine has stalled, sharpening competition for the smaller pool of wealthier clients who are still spending.In part to protect margins, brands have pushed prices higher still. The average price of luxury goods in Europe has increased by 52 percent since 2019, according to HSBC.But it’s safe to say, the price hikes have not gone down well. They’ve succeeded in pushing aspirants further away. And though the rich have the means to keep shopping, nobody likes to be taken for a ride: on social media, critics now routinely discuss rising prices and reports of deteriorating quality and wonder aloud whether luxury brands are worth it." With these two points, how would you answer the quetsion of "How long will the luxury myth last?" https://lnkd.in/e9qFg_G6

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One of my latest articles for The Business of Fashion is a report on New York's menswear retail boom. Menswear and streetwear brands are opening stores in downtown Manhattan at a moment when young consumers are changing their shopping habits and digital marketing has grown stale. I interviewed Awake's Angelo Baque, Trevor Gorji of Fugazi, Yuki Yagi of Vowels, and the real estate company CBRE for this piece. 💡 Key Insights 💡 🗽 Emerging labels are gravitating to downtown New York, known for its historic resonance with menswear shoppers, as they take advantage of an in-person shopping resurgence and look to add a new dimension to their brands beyond Instagram. 🛍 To stand out and make their spaces destinations for more than just shopping, brands are exploring concepts from housing a "research library" of curated books and magazines to using the store as an event space for live music. 💻 Managing physical retail also comes with challenges for brands that grew up online, notably keeping the space stocked with the right inventory. http://bit.ly/4eLXpny

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🚀 Launching a New Jewelry Brand - Seeking Angel Investor! 💎 I’m starting a unique luxury jewelry retail brand and looking for 1 Cr in funding to bring it to life. This investment will fuel: • Brand launch & marketing • Exclusive designs • Omnichannel retail strategy If you’re an investor looking for the next big thing in luxury, let’s connect! DM me for details or to schedule a meeting. Let’s build something incredible together. 💬 #AngelInvestor #JewelryBusiness #InvestmentOpportunity

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