Louis Doesn't Discount

I’ve often wondered why there seems to be a wide variance between the expectations of certain brands who discount and those who don’t? 

Some brands set themselves up with different published retail price lists, (the manufacturer’s suggested retail price), whereby all different sorts of “discounts” are made available to the consumer.  Other brands have long held fast to the practice, the price is what it is.  For whatever reason, they’ve maintained their position in the marketplace and don’t seem to feel compelled to change their course, even in challenging times.

I wonder, if we took a poll of the Louis Vuitton shops across the world, how many have been automatically asked to reduce the price of their product by shoppers? 

A well-known, national furniture brand offers all of the elegance, quality and style, and yet the consumer assumes a discount or price concession will be given.  It’s a matter of programmed thoughts. 

Chances are the model, (in the 1st photo), would be spending more of her hours in the experience of the featured bedroom, rather than carrying around her LV bags.  Is the difference that more people will “see” her with her LV bags and the logo creates an external perception about her lifestyle?  Yes, Louis Vuitton offers exemplary quality, but isn’t there is a certain caché in the instant brand recognition?  (Recent article:  “Louis Vuitton, the French maker of laminated canvas handbags, is the world’s most valuable luxury brand for the sixth consecutive year.) Can this concept ever be captured by the home furnishings industry?

Have furniture and design been relegated to commodity items?  . . . of which the market treats as equivalent, or nearly so, no matter who produces it?  Is there a fear of loosing consumers/clients if a discount is not offered? 

I can’t help to be captured by the irony of comparing two of the definitions of ‘Discount’ and I thought you might appreciate them, too.

• Reduction in price: a reduction in the usual price of something.
• Dismiss something as untrue or trivial: to decide that something can be disregarded as unimportant, irrelevant, or untrue.

Gives pause for thought, doesn’t it?  Thanks for sharing yours.

Wanda

Coming Soon – “Interior Design:  Trusting The Process”

Christmas Countdown – Day 8

All I Want For Christmas

This evening, I was part of a fun event on Twitter, where we shared about the luxury gifts we could imagine seeing under a huge Christmas tree.  It was one of those ocassions, where in a guilt-free world, we could wish for pretty much anything.  (All good, mind you.)  Well, of course, I had some rather grand ideas.  A private chef would be lovely.  A daily dose of personal pampering.  I’m sure you could expand your own list, as well!

My mind also went to things which brought out the inner child in me.  You know . . . the ones where I might squeal with excitement if, on Christmas day, my heart’s desire and wishes might be granted?

Here’s what I shared . . .

My husband shakes his head in wonderment.  Why on earth would his 5’1” wife have heart flutters every time she sees a chunky Jeep Wagoneer?  I can’t quite explain the reaction.  Back in the day, I might have wanted a sporty little sedan.  That was during the same time I wore 4 inch heels.  I’ve always been more fond of the classics, with a twist.  Sturdy and sporty.  Fun and cute.  Are these such terrible attributes?  And in red!  Whooaa!

I first fell in love with these woodgrained-paneled beauties, while watching the movie, “Baby Boom”.  I think the lure of the country life seemed so appealing . . . especially driving around the moonlight in Vermont.  Diane Keaton’s character had second thoughts, after the reality sunk in.  I’m sure this clip reminds a few owners of old homes, about the joys and investment of caretaking for historic properties.  (That’s another blog post.) 

Oh, Santa Louis, hurry down the chimney tonight!  Don’t you think this Monogram Vernis bag would be the perfect tag-a-long for a trip to the country home?  (Courtesy – Louis Vuitton)

And what a country home it would be!  After my visit to Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, I commented to my friend, if I had unlimited funds,  I would forgo a lot of the extra “gadget” rooms and a conservatory would be my luxe indulgence.  It would be the ultimate, quiet retreat, surrounded by plantings and floral exotics. 

It goes without saying, I really do desire more in life than material goods.  I would love to see world peace, an end to hunger and suffering, to witness children becoming fine adults, to see the elderly receive care and respect, to know animals will find a forever home, that cancer might soon have a cure . . . . but if all of those items were already checked off of the list, a little dreaming of indulgent luxury could be a guiltless pleasure.

How about you?  What would be your ultimate splurge?

“We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers.”  ~ Seneca

Cheers to you! ~ Wanda

18 Days and Counting!