Ralph Lauren (RL) Analyst Day Takeaways: The Consumer Is in Charge

Executive Summary

• Ralph Lauren held an analyst day in New York on June 7. Presenting from the management team were Stefan Larsson, President and CEO; Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer; Valerie Hermann, Global Brand President, Luxury, Women’s Collections and World of Accessories; and Bob Madore, Corporate SVP and CFO.
• The company has struggled over the last few years as consumers and their expectations are changing. The apparel industry is going through significant transformation and disruption. Consumers now have an abundance of choice available to them—they can get whatever they want, whenever they want—and they are now in charge.
• Management outlined a plan for the company called the “Way Forward Plan.” As part of the plan, the retailer will refocus on its iconic brand and on the core of what has made the company successful. The foundation of the plan is to refocus on and evolve both the core—the brand strategy and the product, marketing and shopping experience—and the operating model (by developing strong underlying business engines, rightsizing the cost structure, and strengthening leadership and the culture).