H2: Walmart Sells Menswear Brand Bonobos
Recently, Walmart announced that they have acquired the high-end menswear brand, Bonobos. Although the news was met with mixed reactions, it is undeniable that the deal will help Walmart gain a stronger foothold in the fashion industry, which they have been actively trying to do in the past few years.
Bonobos was founded in 2007 as an online only retailer, with the goal of providing a better fitting pair of pants to men. Their approach to menswear was innovative and quickly gained popularity, leading them to expand their offerings beyond just pants. Bonobos stores, called “Guideshops”, allow customers to try on clothing in person and shop online, creating a seamless shopping experience that has been successful in the brick-and-mortar world.
Walmart’s acquisition of Bonobos was not without controversy, as many worried that the high-end brand’s appeal would be lost if it were to become associated with the discount retailer. However, Walmart has been strategic in their approach, keeping Bonobos’ unique brand identity intact while using their resources to help the company expand its distribution and offerings.
One of the key benefits of the partnership for Walmart is the addition of a popular online fashion retailer to their portfolio. Bonobos has a strong online presence and loyal customer base, which will bring new shoppers to Walmart who may have previously dismissed the retailer as a source for fashion.
Another benefit for Walmart is the opportunity to learn from the innovative approach that Bonobos has taken to retail. By understanding how Bonobos has been successful in the brick-and-mortar world, Walmart can apply those lessons to their own stores and create a better shopping experience for their customers.
H3: The Walmart/Bonobos Partnership and E-commerce
E-commerce has been a key focus for Walmart in recent years, as they work to compete with online giant Amazon. By acquiring Bonobos, Walmart gains a stronger foothold in the high-end menswear market, which is a growing segment in e-commerce.
According to eMarketer, the men’s clothing category is projected to grow to $110 billion 2020. This is an exciting opportunity for Walmart, as they have traditionally struggled to attract the fashion-conscious male shopper.
Bonobos will continue to operate as a standalone brand, with their own website and physical stores. However, Walmart has announced that they plan to use their resources to help the brand expand their offerings and distribution, which will likely include a stronger e-commerce presence.
H3: Bonobos and the Fashion Industry
Bonobos has been celebrated in the fashion industry for their innovative approach to menswear. Their focus on fit and quality has gained them a dedicated following, and they have been recognized industry experts for their contributions to modernizing menswear.
The partnership with Walmart has been met with some skepticism from those in the fashion industry, as Bonobos’ association with a discount retailer goes against the upscale image that they have cultivated. However, it remains to be seen how the partnership will play out, and whether or not the collaboration will be successful in expanding Bonobos’ offerings while maintaining their brand identity.
H3: Bonobos and Sustainability
In addition to their focus on fit and quality, Bonobos has also been recognized for their commitment to sustainability. The brand has made efforts to reduce their environmental impact using recycled materials and sustainable production methods.
It remains to be seen if Bonobos will continue to prioritize sustainability under Walmart’s ownership. However, Walmart has made strides in recent years to improve their own sustainability efforts, so it’s possible that the partnership will lead to positive changes for both companies in this area.
H2: How to Shop at Bonobos
If you’re interested in checking out Bonobos for yourself, there are a few things you should know about how to shop at the brand.
The first thing to note is that Bonobos does not have any traditional stores. Instead, they have Guideshops, which allow customers to try on clothing in person and place orders online. This approach is unique and has been successful for the brand, as it provides customers with a personalized shopping experience.
To shop at a Guideshop, customers can make an appointment online or phone. When they arrive at the Guideshop, they will be paired with a “guide”, who will assist them in finding the right fit and style for their needs. Customers can try on clothing in the Guideshop and place orders online using the guide’s iPad. Orders usually arrive within 2-5 business days.
If you prefer to shop online, Bonobos’ website is easy to navigate and offers a wide variety of styles and sizes. They also offer free returns and exchanges, making it easy to find the right fit.
In conclusion, Walmart’s acquisition of Bonobos has been met with mixed reactions, but it’s clear that the partnership has the potential to benefit both companies. Walmart gains a foothold in the high-end fashion market, while Bonobos gains access to Walmart’s resources and distribution network. As the retail industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the partnership between Walmart and Bonobos plays out.
Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-buys-bonobos-why-great-for-walmart-2017-6
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kaleighmoore/2017/06/23/how-walmart-plans-to-win-in-fashion-with-bonobos/#5de115e65395
https://digiday.com/retail/walmarts-bonobos-investment/