Neiman Marcus CEO blasted over 'snobbish' snub of less-wealthy consumers

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Neiman Marcus’ chief govt is going through an worker backlash after he stated the luxurious chain plans to focus extra completely on its wealthiest purchasers — a “snobbish” pivot that some gross sales staffers worry will alienate consumers.

In an interview with Fortune final week, CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck famous that a tiny, 2% sliver of the corporate’s buyer base accounts for a whopping 40% of its enterprise. Accordingly, Neiman plans to work more durable courting these well-heeled consumers — and spend much less time on the remaining, he stated.

“Many shoppers store at Neiman Marcus 25 instances a yr and spend $27,000,” van Raemdonck stated. “I see far more danger in having a one-time transaction the place I don’t know if you'll ever come again.”

The posh division retailer’s prime gross sales reps had been horrified. Certainly, one who requested to not be recognized stated a buyer who has spent $5,000 at Neiman Marcus over the previous yr talked about van Raemdonck’s interview over the weekend and “felt personally insulted.”

“I’m scrambling now,” the rep stated.

Geoffroy van Raemdonck, flanked by Anna Wintour and Karen Katz.
Geoffroy van Raemdonck flanked by Anna Wintour and former Bergdorf Goodman govt Linda Fargo.
Neil Rasmus/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

“What in regards to the future millionaires?” the gross sales rep added. “We work so onerous to create a welcoming tradition at our retailer for everybody and now we now have our CEO excluding some that are available. He’s truly hurting us and our future.”

Van Raemdonck stated that the Dallas-based division retailer is not going to promote “in every single place on the value spectrum, from clearance to high-end jewellery,” arguing that specializing in essentially the most prosperous clients avoids the “churn and the value is not the primary consideration.”

One of many hallmarks of van Raemdonck’s five-year tenure at Neiman Marcus is his resolution to shut the corporate’s 22 Final Name low cost shops in 2020 — although a handful of shops are nonetheless open.

Clothing racks with discounted merchandise.
Neiman Marcus made the choice in 2020 to close down its low cost chain, Final Name.
Getty Photographs

“We seemed on the numbers and couldn’t see clients who shopped at Final Name after which turned Neiman Marcus clients,” van Raemdonck advised Fortune.

The air of exclusivity was an excessive amount of for the corporate’s personal workers.

“Many people who promote are extraordinarily upset,” a veteran retailer gross sales rep advised The Put up. “Not all of our purchasers spend $27,000 they usually aren’t millionaires. Why would he say this and alienate a few of our clients — and with such a snobbish tone.”

The rep added, “They is probably not essential to him however they're to us. We've got private relationships with all types. And we work on fee.”

Neiman Marcus didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.


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