As many successful companies can attest, having a strong leader atop the corporate ladder is one of the best strategies to ensure business success. Erik Nordstrom, the CEO of Nordstrom Inc., should look no further than Bernard Arnault, the Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, for inspiration. Analysis shows that by adopting Arnault’s business savvy, Nordstrom Inc. is sure to unlock new heights of prosperity.
1. Breaking Down Nordstrom’s Game Plan: Unleash His Inner Arnault
After quickly taking over the fashion industry with his unmatched style and charisma, Nordstrom is ready to step up his game with the help of his newly acquired resources. To do so, he has adopted a game plan based on the strategies of luxury titan Bernard Arnault – founder of the world’s largest luxury conglomerate, LVMH. Follow along below as we break down Nordstrom’s game plan and take a look at how he hopes to build upon his successes.
- Prioritizing Exclusive Collections – Nordstrom has vowed to prioritize exclusive collections created by established and rising designers, including those from the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund list. By creating unique, differentiated offerings, Nordstrom hopes to create more hype and interest in his brands.
- Forming Partnerships – Nordstrom has expressed interest in forming strategic partnerships with a select few multi-label retailers and department stores, allowing them to become exclusive distributors of some of his items. This will give him access to bigger markets and create more visibility for his brand.
- Offering Discounts and Promotions – In the same vein as LVMH, Nordstrom has also increased the number of promotions and discounts available to customers. This is one way they are able to reach a wider audience who may not have the means to afford designer prices.
By utilizing these three strategies, Nordstrom aims to take his business to the next level and become one of the top luxury fashion brands in the world. If executed correctly, Nordstrom will be able to successfully transition to a multi-faceted, global brand in the same league as LVMH.
2. Analyzing the Benefits of Taking Cues from a Luxury Goods Magnate
For business owners that have a keen eye for success, following the strategies of a luxury goods magnate is a great way to gain a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace. From the lifestyle-defining products to the influencer-inspired campaigns, Luxury goods magnates have mastered business practices that can be adapted to any type of product or services.
By taking the time to research and analyze the strategies of these elite business leaders, business owners can gain valuable insights into:
- Product Development: Studying the product features and quality standards that drive customer loyalty and ensure repeat purchases.
- Marketing Strategies: Gaining visibility through targeted content marketing, experiential campaigns, and influencer collaborations.
- Team Building: Investing in the right team of experts and assembling a dream team to lower operational costs and reduce errors.
Applying these cues to their own business operations can ensure that brands and products stay competitive and ahead of trends.
3. Leveraging Nordstrom’s Strengths and Channeling the Arnault Playbook
Luxury department store operator Nordstrom has the potential to reach new heights by leveraging its strengths and following the playbook of LVMH owner Bernard Arnault. Arnault has masterfully grown LVMH into an $80 billion powerhouse in the world of luxury retail and Nordstrom has a great opportunity to do the same by focusing on what it’s already doing great.
Nordstrom is already a force to be reckoned with when it comes to understanding customers, offering top-notch services, and providing a wide selection of specialty goods. It can build upon these strengths by :
- Creating exclusive collections and expanding its presence in streetwear and special occasions fashion.
- Adding luxury department store collaborations and partnerships with well-known and cutting-edge brands for unique experiences.
- Increasing the scope of its digital initiatives to reach more consumers globally.
- Delivering unexpected surprises to customers through innovative collaborations and strategies.
The potential is there for Nordstrom to emulate the success of Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, but only if it channels its strengths, invests in digital capabilities, and ends up surprising customers with innovative solutions. If they can do this, then the sky is the limit.
4. The Nordstrom-Arnault comparison: What Can Be Gained?
Similar to Nordstrom, Arnault has enlisted an iconic figure to represent his fashion house: model and actress, Bella Hadid. Standing as a symbol of the intersection of contemporary youth and stylish sophistication, Bella Hadid has been employed in numerous branding and advertising strategies. The partnership between renowned fashion figure and fashion house is not merely a name recognition ploy, however. Nordstrom and Arnault each get something out of the pairing:
- Nordstrom gains international exposure thanks to the massive publicity spectrum that Bella Hadid reaches.
- Arnault receives the increased brand longevity that attention and admiration of a celebrity brings.
Moreover, by joining forces with a celebrity powerhouse, the fashion house benefits from the advantages that come with a popular influencer. Hadid has a wide-reaching presence on social media, which provides Arnault with an audience of millions of devoted followers. This tailored audience is valuable to any fashion house, as it allows Arnault to spread brand recognition and its message to individuals who look up to Hadid and her style.
In addition, the fashion house profits from the limitless connections that Bella Hadid has in the fashion world. Not only does she offer an impressive portfolio of work, but she also no doubt possesses numerous contacts in the industry that would be beneficial in a collaborative effort to construct cohesive advertising campaigns. Furthermore, her being an advocate for a brand increases Arnault’s reputation and exposure. In this way, the partnership concretely reaps benefits – both tangible and abstract – for those involved.
Erik Nordstrom has the potential to become a transformative leader in the retail sphere, both for the luxury fashion retail industry and for the customer shopping experience. By embracing innovation and making his mark, he could possibly soon become as renowned as high-end mogul Bernard Arnault, and make the most of the potential available to him.

