Back
~
1
min read
· Posted on
April 22, 2024

RM Williams plows $8m into women's fashion, seemingly looking to diversify its customer base beyond male consultants

RM Williams has invested $8 million in a women's-only-production line to expand its sales to women.

What's the key learning?

  • RM Williams have become a fashionable shoe for celebs like Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman.
  • While some people are into brands such as Shein, H&M, and Zara, others want handcrafted and high quality… and are willing to pay for it.
  • RM Williams prioritizes durability that is more sustainable and reduces consumption of clothes.

👉 Background: RM Williams was founded in 1932 by Reginald Murray Williams. The brand has always been known for its durable outback clothing, particularly its boots. Today, these boots have now become a statement piece for investment bankers and management consultants in the CBD.

👉 What happened: Back in 2020, Nicola and Andrew Twiggy Forrest acquired the company in 2020 for just under $200 million. Now, RM Williams has invested $8 million in a women's-only-production line to expand its sales to women. It currently sells more than 15% of all RM Williams to women.

👉 What else: RM Williams isn't shying away from its exxy prices - it reckons there is a big chunk of the premium market that it can own. Clearly, RM Williams has worked out exactly where it sits in the fashion market.

What's the key learning?

💡 Brand positioning is the strategic management of how a brand is perceived in the marketplace.

💡For RM Williams, their brand has always emphasised high-quality, durable footwear. And you’ll pay a pretty penny for these shoes — anywhere between $650 - $800 for a pair.

💡But it works for RM Williams, who aligns itself with the anti-fast fashion sentiment ie. reducing the environmental impact of clothing. And this strategy allows RM Williams to maintain its premium pricing.

Ready to win at money?

Sign up for Flux and join 100,000 members of the Flux family

A button to App StoreGoogle Play store button
Excellent  4.9 out of 5
Star rating