Lululemon promises ‘strategic pricing’ as profits grow
Charlotte RogersThe Canadian activewear brand wants to maintain its focus on full price sales, as it targets the “open space” of lifestyle garments and explores new categories.
Asda faces clash with Waitrose as it launches ‘Just Essentials’ range
Michaela JeffersonAsda is set to invest £45m in the new budget range, as it seeks to regain its position as the UK’s second largest supermarket by market share.
John Lewis preps loyalty overhaul as it claims turnaround ‘on track’
Michaela JeffersonThe firm is promising further “significant investment” this year in areas including digital services, shop refurbishment, value and revenue diversification.
‘Vicious cycle’: Why brands are choosing to ditch the discounts
Michaela JeffersonM&S, Next, Superdry and PizzaExpress have all announced their intentions to move away from a culture of sales and discounting as a means of driving sales, as post-Covid demand offers the perfect moment to transform consumer expectations.
‘Strong brands always win’: Why marketing investment is crucial to survive inflation
Michaela JeffersonRising costs and price inflation will drive businesses to seek cuts and save margins, but marketers must ensure investment behind the brand is sustained.
John Lewis to retire ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ price promise this summer
Charlotte RogersClaiming its original price promise is “no longer enough”, the retailer will focus on a new quality and value pledge backed by £500m of investment.
An ethnography of pricing: How and why marketers should put up prices
Mark RitsonInflation means price increases are marketing’s number-one priority for 2022. But how many marketers are capable or even aware of the challenge ahead? Our columnist provides a handy cheat sheet for those who want to get it right.
Pernod Ricard ups marketing spend despite ‘volatile’ environment
Michaela JeffersonThe drinks giant experienced “strong” growth in sales and profit over the first six months of its fiscal year, amid rising marketing spend and the continued pursuit of its premium pricing strategy.
PepsiCo underlines importance of brand strength as prices increase
Lucy TesserasThe drink and snack firm says it is focused on becoming a “better data company” as it looks to improve the way it measures the ROI of marketing.
Unilever highlights Ben & Jerry’s and Hellmann’s growth following brand purpose criticism
Michaela JeffersonThe FMCG giant will focus on driving long-term growth this year despite inflation, backed by “competitive” levels of marketing spend.
Inflation will separate the strong marketing companies from the weak
Chris BurggraeveMarketers have long lost sight of the fourth P of the marketing mix, but they will need to reassert control over pricing if their brands are to stand up to the pressures of inflation.
Tesco axes budget store Jack’s
Lucy TesserasThe supermarket has made the decision to close all 13 Aldi challenger stores, but will continue selling Jack’s branded products to independent convenience stores via Booker.
M&S to tackle ‘growth barriers’ in home by extending ‘Remarksable’ campaign beyond food
Michaela JeffersonThe campaign will highlight M&S’s entry price point products across its homeware business, from £1 face towels to £7.50 duvet covers.
Kimberly-Clark to support price rises with increased marketing spend
Michaela JeffersonClaiming “the ROI is there” for investment in marketing-led innovation, the FMCG giant plans to leverage the strength of its brands to support price increases.
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P&G reports more effective marketing after upping digital spend
Michaela JeffersonThe FMCG giant has reduced marketing spend as a percentage of sales by 80 basis points, while driving a 6% increase in net sales.