So if you live in the UK you may or may not have heard that the retailer Republic has now gone into administration. Not surprising as so many retailers have been slipping away in the last few months, but particularly annoying as I work there!! Most likely going to get made redundant, not the worst thing in the world as I was going to leave to start IBM in June anyway but very irritating as I just booked a holiday to Marbella which I am now not sure how I am going to pay off!!
But from my own experience of working there I understand some of the reasons, particularly from a Marketing perspective as to why Republic may have failed to make sales recently...
1. They didn't position themselves correctly: We sold cheap own-brands alongside brands like Kurt Gieger, Ravel and American Apparel. Either position yourself as cheap or luxury. You CAN'T be both.
2. Constant confusing sales promotion: the clothes had such a high turnover- good in some respects as constant flow of new products. However, the clothes are discounted so often we couldn't even keep up with the prices as staff- never mind the customers! I also think customers latched on to this and therefore wouldn't buy full price stock with the view it would be discounted the next week!
3. Bad customer service: I've worked in loads of retailers now; Primark, Next, John Lewis and I have to say Republic give their staff the least customer service training or any training at all for that matter! Republic could have done so much more with the service they offer with better training & management and providing an experience in their stores- something I think they were starting to achieve but better management of this was needed.
Just my opinions!! But very sad to see it go and will be keeping fixed on the news praying for a buyer so I can keep my job!
No comments:
Post a Comment