Louis Vuitton Tops the List of Most Valuable Luxury Brands

Content contributed by @shezco

It’s probably no surprise to PurseBop readers that luxury brands are big business. A recently-released report confirms the lure of our favorite Maisons –for consumers and equity investors. It also shows a shift in the rankings – with some moving up and others moving down. Can you guess who’s on top?

Louis Vuitton came out on top Photo courtesy: Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Report

But first, let’s look at how this report evaluates companies.

Kantar, a world leading data, insights and consultancy agency, released its annual Brand Z report. The report ranks the world’s top 100 valuable brands and, while it is no surprise that giants such as Amazon and Apple top the list, it was the luxury category which outpaced all other categories in terms of overall growth.

What and Why:

What is Brand Z?

Brand Z is a report published annually by Kantar which ranks the top 100 most valuable brands in the world. According to the report, the findings are “based on the unique and objective BrandZ™ brand valuation methodology that combines extensive and on-going consumer insights with rigorous financial analysis.”

Why is the report different to others of its kind?

The Brand Z report differs because it uses “consumer viewpoints to assess brand equity.” They conduct millions of interviews and on-going surveys annually to get a deep understanding of how consumers perceive brands on a category and market basis.

Findings and Insight?

The luxury category grew overall by 29% making it the fastest growing category overall, now estimated to be worth over $171.3 billion.

Reasons for Growth?

The growth in this category can be attributed to many different reasons, a few of which are discussed in short below.

First, luxury brands continue to embrace technology and move forward with their current and new consumers because of it. This includes embracing technology both in production, supply chain, shop floor, e-commerce and technology within products.

Louis Vuitton’s ‘Canvas of the Future’ Bag that debuted at the brand’s Resort 2020 show. The futuristic design incorporates technology by placing a screen on the bag. Photo courtesy: Louis Vuitton

Second, the luxury brands leading in the report aren’t just reactionary to the world around them; instead they are pioneers and trailblazers. Often, embodying inclusion and diversity or ensuring sustainability and the environment are at the top of their strategic agendas. Historically, luxury brands often have remained silent on such issues, preferring not to voice or be associated with an opinion. Now, however, they are alert to the importance of having a purpose which speaks to their consumer. Although brands which appear on the list have faced various controversies, it is how brands deal with these which continues to characterize them.

Gucci faced controversy in 2018 when it released a $790 ‘indy full turban’ Photo courtesy: Getty Images

Third, there is a step-change in luxury brands towards accessibility with brands such as Gucci leading the way with this. Although some could argue accessibility is the antithesis of luxury, it is a strategy which worked for Gucci. Others like YSL, Givenchy and Balmain followed suit. The Brand Z report clarifies “inclusive luxury speaks to bringing a sense of cultural inclusivity to the brand identity, communication, voice, and visuals—all while retaining product exclusivity as is core to the business strategy.”

Brands such as Gucci have made themselves more accessible with popular entry-level items like their signature T-shirts Photo courtesy: Gucci

Small leather goods are great entry-level pieces that make brands money Photo courtesy: @shopaholic_pdx

Although the number of people able to purchase luxury goods hasn’t necessarily increased, social media has made it easier for consumers to appreciate and desire brands. Since younger consumers want to feel connected to luxury brands, the entry point pricing strategy is key because it allows a wider audience to build meaningful relationships and associations with brands and develop the next generation of customers. The importance of accessibility can also be demonstrated by the 7% growth in the reseller market – The Real Real, a luxury consignment store saw stock rise by 45% after last week’s IPO as investors saw the value in what the company does. Reselling is inclusive, accessible, diverse, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Louis Vuitton, amongst other brands, remains popular on social media Photo courtesy: @caseykiss_official

Photo courtesy: @sk8tederella_

Luxury consignment store The RealReal’s LA boutique. Resale sites are become more and more popular with modern, environmentally conscious consumers. Photo courtesy: The RealReal

A Look at the brands

Topping the list… Louis Vuitton. Are you surprised? The brand has been on fire lately with its creativity in every product category, the new era of Virgil Abloh as well as its collaborations with other brands and talent.