Prada is, naturally, a household name. But the house’s widespread fame hasn’t been enough to save its plummeting revenue—and logo fatigue, among other factors, may even have been the culprit!
On the heels of a weak 2015, Prada S.p.A. revealed earlier this month that its 2016 profits had dropped yet again. In fact, last year saw the lowest revenue since the Prada Group’s 2011 initial public offering.
Miu Miu Pre-Fall 2017 Collection. Photo Courtesy: WWD
First, let’s recap what Prada S.p.A. is. We all know, of course, that it encompasses the eponymous 1913 Milanese fashion house and its little sister, Miu Miu, established in 1993. But it now includes Church’s, an English men’s footwear brand, as well as Car Shoe, an Italian driving moccasin brand. (As of 2014, it has also acquired Pasticceria Marchesi, a beloved bakery in Milan!) Together, these subsidiaries make the Prada Group.
The second pastry shop of Prada’s Marchesi. Photo courtesy: whereMilan.com
The Group, which is in the midst of a retail model revamp, had a tough 2016. Over the course of the year, total revenue fell 16% to $295 million. But the news isn’t uniformly bad. Prada’s profits improved in the second half of 2016, when the decline in sales inched back down to 6%. Growth has been especially noticeable in China, and has continued into this year. Profits also appear to be recovering in Europe, particularly in the UK and Russia.
Prada’s Share Graph Since its IPO. Photo Courtesy: Prada Group
Why did Prada have such a difficult year? Well, one major factor is slowing demand in Asia, the continent responsible for about half of Prada’s revenue. Other factors are the decline in European tourism and, as mentioned earlier, logo fatigue—Prada has become almost too popular, losing its air of exclusivity. Although other luxury goods companies, like LVMH and Burberry, also faced declining profits last year, Prada was hit harder than its competitors. It seems to have suffered the consequences of years of overexpansion and overexposure.
Prada in Harrods. Photo courtesy @fannyaggevall
As Prada fights to regain its footing, it’s working to implement major changes. Rather than opening new stores on the ground, Prada is in the process of revamping its entire brand. The Group has hired a new digital strategy team, whose duties include relaunching Prada and Miu Miu’s websites, targeting social media posts for sales conversion, and adding more RTW items to online platforms. Prada is also planning the occasional pop-up, as well as introducing less pricey handbags and accessories aimed at Millennials.
CEO Patrizio Bertelli and Miucci Prada. Photo courtesy: CelebFamily.com
At this point, Prada seems pretty optimistic about its chances of success. CEO (and Miucci Prada’s husband!) Patrizio Bertelli has said that “coming up with fresh ideas in quick turnaround times has always been our specialty,” and believes that Prada is now “firmly on the pathway to sustainable growth.” Others seem less convinced. An op-ed in The Business of Fashion argues that although Prada is on the right path to address its financial concerns, a “full-blown recovery” is not ensured.
What do you think of Prada’s new strategies, especially the focus on e-commerce? Can Prada turn its profits around? We’d love to hear your thoughts on BopTalk.
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Updated: June 1st, 2017
Comments
5 Responses to “Prada’s Plummeting (but Recovering?) Profits”
Less pricey handbags? That will just cheapen the brand more and over saturate the market hence making their logo that they feel is already overexposed even more so??????
I used to love Prada, but no one notice that…. Why reducing the price ??? Instead of reducing the price, why dont Prada create a new limited edition Piece !! Its just about improving your marketing Strategy…. Appreciate your clients more !! =) let them feel exclusive for having one…. Just an idea ! Good luck and please win me back lol xp !!
Less pricey is good, but making a few new ‘it’ bags is the only way to new success.
In my humble opinion Prada has to design new and different bags. I love the brand and think their bags are beautiful (I´d love to have one to call my own), but always same old same old. I think they have to follow Gucci´s steps ;)
I agree with comments here and as long time Prada fan and consumer I too have to say it’s been along time since I have had a wow moment with a Prada handbag or shoe in particular that resulted in a personal must have
IMO The collections have been too reliant on embellishment on otherwise mundane style rehashes – yet having just said that look at what gucci is accomplishing with embellishment and what d & g do year after year.i Think it is a Prada disconnect because Prada was always innovative at the cores of their products, which has been missing