“Since Ralph started our company more than 50 years ago, his focus on the long-term and the spirit of timelessness has enabled us to not only survive times of uncertainty, but drive lasting authentic connections with our customers,” Louvet said in his introduction.
At the time, it had eight domestic and two international home product licensing partners in three major categories: By 2011 too, Mikassa, Henredon, Glidden, and Karastan were out, as Fitz and Floyd took over tabletop and giftware, EJ Victor in furniture, and Akzo Nobel Paints in home improvement. No licensee replaced Karastan in carpets and rugs. And it exited the paint business in 2017.
This may signal digital as an important channel for Ralph Lauren Home, pitting it against $11.5 billion marketing, if not profitable, powerhouse Wayfair. Then there’s the affordably-priced Lauren Home collection, which was launched in 2017, and includes bath and bedding products reflecting a “fresh, modern spirit.”
Back in 2004, the then $2.8 billion Williams Sonoma didn’t report Pottery Barn sales, but it counted 174 Pottery Barn stores and one West Elm store aimed at the next-generation customer. By fiscal 2019, Pottery Barn was bringing in $2.2 billion with 201 stores and West Elm, $1.5 billion and 118 stores. Total Williams Sonoma revenues were $5.9 billion.