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Marcus Insights
Eco-Conscious Canadian Apparel Brand Appeals to Global Gen Z


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Role: Head of Market Expansion
Industry: Mid-Size Canadian Apparel Brand

Situation: 12 year old company Founded in Montreal, Quebec, Canada as eCommerce Apparel Brand First brick-and-mortar store in 2014 - Now 15 stores in Canada Inspired by a generation that leads with purpose, driven by a strong desire to positively impact the future of the world, in their own unique way. Products are thoughtfully designed with a circular mindset to have the lowest possible footprint at the end of its lifecycle. B Corp certified in 2019 Motto: Inspire Better Living; We believe that dressing with intention can inspire a more conscious lifestyle for all. Brand Values: Act with purpose; Create communities; Inspire Innovation; Be Authentic Purpose: We view Better Living as a holistic mindset. Making more conscious choices. Enjoying and celebrating life's daily rituals. Connecting with like-minded people. Feeling good in everything we wear. Embracing individuality. Hybrid Living. Elevated Comfort. Playful Minimalism. Design Philosophy: 1. Responsible 2. Purposeful 3. Desirable as follows: 1. Products contain either low-impact, cruelty-free, organic, biodegradable, or recycled fibers. 0% Virgin Polyester 2. Trend-right basics of essentials, unique fits, comfortable and put together 3. Modular, Utilitarian, Seasonal Current product offering: From socks to jumpsuits that have versatile cuts and neutral colours that can be easily layered; Clothes designed to stay outside or landfills (circular design); Sweaters and woven tops; Outerwear and Layers Regularly featured in Canadian press Supports partners to make an impact by funding projects APPAREL BRAND has noticed a particular trend within its clientele in Montreal; the brand enjoys considerable popularity among international students from Asia and the Gen Z demographic. This insight has inspired

Question to Marcus:


What could the apparel brand do to raise brand awareness in Asia – specifically in China or India while staying true to its core values and aiming to appeal to the international student segment and Gen Z consumers who value sustainability, quality, and innovative fashion?


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Based on your specific organizational details captured above, Marcus recommends the following areas for evaluation (in roughly decreasing priority). If you need any further clarification or details on the specific frameworks and concepts described below, please contact us: support@flevy.com.

Market Entry Example

Entering the Asian market, particularly China or India, requires a nuanced understanding of the cultural, economic, and regulatory landscape. The company should begin by conducting a comprehensive Market Analysis to identify potential entry barriers, customer preferences, and Competitive Landscape.

Partnering with local influencers who align with the brand’s values can serve as a powerful tool to raise awareness. Furthermore, leveraging social media platforms popular in these countries, like WeChat in China and WhatsApp in India, can help in effectively reaching the Gen Z demographic. Customizing the brand’s message to resonate with local values, while staying true to its core mission of sustainability and responsible fashion, will be key. Collaborating with local universities to engage directly with the international student community can also provide targeted visibility and foster a community around the brand.

Learn more about Market Analysis Competitive Landscape Market Entry Example

Digital Transformation Strategy

Incorporating a Digital Transformation strategy is essential for the brand’s entry and expansion into Asian markets. This involves optimizing the brand’s eCommerce platform to handle increased traffic from new markets and ensuring that the online shopping experience is localized to meet the language and cultural preferences of Chinese and Indian consumers.

Adopting advanced data analytics to understand Consumer Behavior and preferences in these regions will enable more targeted marketing and product development strategies. Additionally, leveraging digital tools to streamline the Supply Chain and ensure product availability can significantly enhance Customer Satisfaction in new markets.

Learn more about Digital Transformation Supply Chain Customer Satisfaction Consumer Behavior Digital Transformation Strategy

Social Media Strategy

A robust Social Media Strategy tailored to the platforms popular in China and India is critical. For China, focusing on platforms like Weibo and Douyin can help in engaging with the target audience effectively.

In India, while international platforms like Instagram and Facebook remain popular, tapping into local influencers and content creators who align with the brand’s values can amplify its reach. The brand should emphasize storytelling around its sustainability initiatives and how it aligns with the values of Gen Z consumers in these markets. Engaging content that highlights the brand’s commitment to positive impact can foster a loyal community of advocates.

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Sustainability

Emphasizing the brand’s sustainability credentials will resonate well in China and India, where there is a growing consciousness among consumers, especially Gen Z, about environmental impact. Highlighting the B Corp certification and the brand’s circular design philosophy in marketing communications can differentiate it in these new markets.

The company should also explore partnerships with local environmental organizations to undertake joint initiatives, further strengthening its commitment to sustainability and raising brand awareness among socially conscious consumers.

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Supply Chain Resilience

Building a resilient supply chain is paramount for successful Market Entry in Asia. This includes identifying local suppliers that meet the brand’s sustainability and ethical standards, ensuring the agility to respond to market demands, and implementing robust Risk Management strategies to navigate the complexities of international logistics and regulations.

Local production or distribution partnerships might be explored to reduce carbon footprint and align with the brand’s sustainability goals, while also ensuring timely delivery and Inventory Management tailored to the market's demands.

Learn more about Risk Management Inventory Management Market Entry Supply Chain Resilience

Innovation Management

Continuous innovation will be key to staying relevant in the fast-evolving fashion markets of China and India. This includes not just product innovation that aligns with local tastes and preferences but also process and experience innovation to meet the high digital savviness of consumers in these regions.

Implementing a local market feedback loop into the product development process can ensure that the brand remains responsive to local consumer needs while staying true to its global brand identity and values.

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Customer Experience

Enhancing Customer Experience through personalization and seamless omnichannel interactions will be crucial in winning over consumers in China and India. This involves leveraging technology to offer personalized product recommendations, engaging in meaningful conversations with consumers on social media, and providing exceptional after-sales service.

Localizing the customer experience, from language support to understanding local festivals and celebrations, can further deepen the brand’s connection with its new audience.

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Strategic Planning

The Strategic Planning process for entering the Asian markets must be iterative and flexible. It should involve setting clear objectives, developing a deep understanding of the target market segments, and crafting strategies that leverage the brand's strengths.

Regular review and adjustment of strategies based on market feedback will be essential. The plan should also include clear metrics for success to evaluate the effectiveness of the market entry strategies and identify areas for improvement.

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Competitive Advantage

Maintaining a Competitive Advantage in the new markets will require a focus on the brand’s unique Value Proposition of sustainability, quality, and innovation. Conducting a thorough Competitive Analysis to understand the existing offerings in the market and identifying gaps that the brand can fill will be crucial.

Additionally, building strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders can create a moat around the brand, making it difficult for competitors to replicate its success.

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Customer Segmentation

Effectively segmenting the customer base in China and India will enable the brand to tailor its marketing strategies and product offerings to meet the specific needs and preferences of different consumer groups. This involves leveraging Market Research and Data Analytics to gain insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns.

Focusing on the Gen Z demographic and international students who value sustainability and innovative fashion will be key to capturing the essence of the brand’s target audience in these markets.

Learn more about Market Research Data Analytics Customer Segmentation

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