Lululemon succeeds due to pricing rather than trends (2024)

As the athletic and activewear market continues to grow,consumer-favored athleticwear brand Lululemon rises in success andpopularity. The Canadian apparel brand reported a Q1 growth of 80 basepoints in comparison to last year, on top of its increase in productcategories like its new selfcare product and footwear lines.

Following a year of growth in 2018, Lululemon recently announced its five-year "Power of Three"strategic plan to continue its momentum. The strategy speaksto driving product innovation, building integrated omni guestexperiences and expanding in key markets globally.

Under the "Power of Three" plan, Lululemon expects to double thesize of its men’s revenues by 2023, and grow existing and new productcategories.

Lululemon's success could be based on somewhere other than itsannounced growth strategy. A recent report from retail analysis firmEdited shows that Lululemon's secret weapon is actually rooted instrategic pricing.

Lululemon utilizes strategic pricing model

According to Edited's report, Lululemon's "secret formula" isthreefold: functional garments at a high yet consistent price point,minimal discounting and consumers awareness that they will pay fullprice.

While the brand's competitors regularly promote discounts of atleast 40 percent, Lululemon rarely brings its products' base pricesdown by more than 20 or 30 percent, even during peak sale seasons.

Lululemon has maintained consistent pricing; its core products,leggings and sports bras, have remained at average price points of 90and 47 dollars respectively since 2017. Edited noted that thisconsistency leads to a strong shopper awareness of pricing and mostwill not expect pricing reductions.

Image: Lululemon

Lululemon succeeds due to pricing rather than trends (2024)

FAQs

What is the pricing strategy of Lululemon? ›

Lululemon used a premium pricing strategy and thus they charge higher prices than their competitors for their products. They have set a goal to create the perception that their products must have a higher value than competing products because they offer something the competition lacks and thus their prices are higher.

How did Lululemon become so successful? ›

The technological advances lululemon has made in clothing makes it harder for competitors to emulate its success. It also enables lululemon to charge higher prices and have merchandise that rarely goes on sale. lululemon's focus on innovation not only lies within its products but within its stores.

What is Lululemon's competitive strategy? ›

The company's business strategy is based around promoting its “Lululemon Athletica” and “Ivivva Athletica”-branded products as steppingstones to an active and enjoyable lifestyle. This has been a successful strategy for Lululemon, as the company can price its products at a premium.

Why are customers willing to pay premium prices for Lululemon's product? ›

Relative to customer value, customers are willing to pay premium prices for Lululemon's products because they are convinced that “Lululemon's products fit better, feel nicer, last longer, and are more flattering than any competing goods.” While loyalists of each brand of yoga apparel may hold similar or different ...

What type of generic strategy is Lululemon using to sustain a competitive advantage? ›

6. The generic competitive strategy that most closely fits the approach that Lululemon is taking is differentiation. Lululemon is focusing on providing innovative and sustainable products, as well as excellent customer service, in order to differentiate itself from competitors and appeal to a wide range of customers.

Does lulu do price adjustments? ›

If your exact style, size and colour is still available for purchase, we'd be more than happy to lend a hand with a price adjustment.

What makes Lululemon different from its competitors? ›

One of Lululemon's greatest strengths is the high quality of all of the products that are offered. The high quality of the products is a big selling point for many consumers. Lululemon designs products to last for many years so the high quality material is crucial to their products and design.

What are the key elements of Lululemon's strategy? ›

Lululemon Goals, Strategies and Budget
  • Identify retail locations to open new stores and attract new customers.
  • Provide customers with new products.
  • Sustain their brand image.
  • Achieve growth and maintain cash flow.
  • Increase sales of current stores.
  • Operate efficiently in all departments.

What makes Lululemon so unique? ›

Our strengths are driving our global growth and guest loyalty: Top quality, technically advanced product that offers unique and proprietary innovations. A strong culture that connects our guests, our collective, and our communities.

What are Lululemon's main strengths? ›

Strengths. Brand Reputation: Lululemon has established itself as a premium brand in the athletic apparel market, known for its high-quality, innovative, and stylish products. This reputation has helped the company attract and retain a loyal customer base.

Why is Lululemon's brand so strong? ›

In a highly competitive market, Lululemon set themselves apart from competitors like Nike or Under Armour by not going after the unstoppable athlete lifestyle. Instead, by focusing on mindfulness and wellness, they were able to capture a new market in the premium yoga industry.

Who is Lululemon's biggest competitor? ›

Let's take a look at Lululemon's most aggressive competitors and alternatives, giving the company a solid competition.
  • Adidas.
  • Puma.
  • Sweaty Betty.
  • Outdoor Voices.
  • Lolë
  • Fabletics.
  • Beyond Yoga.
  • New Balance.

Why is premium pricing strategy good? ›

Premium pricing is an approach used by businesses to increase the perceived quality of products and build a luxury brand image by pricing them higher than the market average. When a company has a significant competitive advantage, such pricing tactics effectively make consumers assume quality and buy more.

What is premium price strategy? ›

Premium pricing means a retailer is consistently pricing their product higher due to competitive advantage. Often clever branding, marketing and messaging that appeals to their customer base. The strategy is mostly used when a company has a solid and strong brand.

What is the pricing strategy for premium brands? ›

What is the pricing strategy used by a luxury brand? Luxury labels' pricing strategy is value-based, backed by the superiority of their products and the willingness of their customers to pay. They emphasise quality and durability above all else.

What type of marketing strategy does lululemon use? ›

The brand has an influencer marketing strategy. Lululemon regularly collaborates with local yoga, wellness, and fitness instructors to represent its brand. The brand creates a space where people can build community by using a section of its stores to host meditation, yoga, and fitness classes.

What is Lululemon's generic strategy? ›

Answer and Explanation: Lululemon is using a focus differentiation strategy to face the competition in the market. This strategy is one of the five generic competitive...

What factors in the marketing environment have the most impact on lululemon? ›

Demographics: Changes in population growth, age distribution, and other demographic factors could impact Lululemon's market size and the demand for its products.

Does Lululemon price match themselves? ›

lululemon stores will price match lululemon.com and vice versa. Since each store is a franchise, prices in store may not match lululemon.com prices.

What is lululemons markup? ›

Even if Lululemon leggings cost $5 to make, the most affordable versions would still come with a 3,166.67% markup.

Will Lulu replace my leggings if they have been pilled? ›

lululemon's Quality Promise says “if our product doesn't perform for you, we'll take it back.” They stand behind the performance of their leggings and yoga gear, so you can claim this “warranty” by bringing the leggings and proof of purchase to your local lululemon store where they can issue an exchange for a new ...

What sets Lululemon apart from other brands? ›

One of the efforts Lululemon has made that other brands have not is to purposely seek out brand ambassadors that are yoga instructors and fitness mentors. These brand ambassadors embody a lifestyle that Lululemon consumers strive to lead, a resource that ultimately differentiates the company and drives up its appeal.

How would you describe Lululemon's market segmentation strategy Who do you think are Lululemon's typical customers? ›

Lululemon Behavioral Segmentation

Lululemon is a premium fitness wear brand, and products are pricey, ranging from $90 to $130 for items such as leggings and bras. Therefore, Lululemon tends to attract middle to upper class customers. The typical Lululemon target customer is fitness enthusiasts, who regularly work out.

Which are the three pillars of lululemon's power of three growth strategy? ›

Lululemon laid out its "Power of Three x2" five-year plan in April 2022, which highlighted its three key priorities: Product innovation. E-commerce. International expansion.

What is the mirror growth strategy for lululemon? ›

They include doubling its men's revenue between 2021 and 2026, doubling its digital revenue by 2026, and quadrupling its international revenue by 2026. In addition, it plans to double its overall revenue from $6.25 billion in 2021 to $12.5 billion in 2026.

What is the vertical retail strategy of lululemon? ›

Lululemon also operates on a vertical integration model, which controls every part of its supply chain. It sources and finds its materials and does the same for manufacturing and retailing. By doing this, its focus on quality is not shifted, and it has better control over the quality of its products.

What is Lululemon best known for? ›

Founded in Vancouver, Canada in 1998, lululemon athletica is a technical athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training and most other sweaty pursuits.

What is Lululemon's most popular item? ›

The best-selling item at lululemon is leggings—specifically, the Align Pant. These soft, stretchy leggings routinely sell out and have over 6,000 five-star reviews on lululemon's website.

What does Lululemon need to improve? ›

To increase its business, Lululemon needs to consider having some less-expensive products. It will bring in more customers, and the brand will have a strong brand presence. Lululemon's presence can be improved by extensive marketing, and they can also involve the sports personalities for their campaigns.

What is the mission statement of Lululemon? ›

lululemon athletica

our original intent: Elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness. our mission statement: Creating components for people to live longer, healthier, fun lives. about our products: We make technical athletic apparel for yoga, running, dancing, and most other sweaty pursuits.

What is the conclusion of Lululemon? ›

In conclusion, Lululemon's strong brand image, high-quality products, and a loyal customer base provide a solid foundation for growth. By addressing its weaknesses, seizing new opportunities, and mitigating external threats, Lululemon can continue to thrive in the competitive athletic apparel market.

How is LuluLemon such good quality? ›

LuluLemon's clothing is made with exceptional materials that offer comfort and durability. Their fabrics, such as Nulu and Luxtreme, feel luxurious and retain their shape and color even after repeated wear and washing. LuluLemon's dedication to quality ensures their products are a worthwhile investment.

What are the main threats to Lululemon's business? ›

Lululemon Threats
  • Sports clothing industry is highly fragmented, with many brands competing, from basic discount brands to high-end fashion names.
  • Challenges faced by sports apparel companies include constantly changing fashion trends, tough competition and more price-conscious shoppers.
May 29, 2023

What is more expensive than Lululemon? ›

Sweaty Betty is another rising star in the increasingly competitive athleisure sector, and it's even more expensive than Lululemon. The athletic apparel brand, which launched in London in 1998 by husband-and-wife duo Tamara and Simon Hill-Norton, is catering to an elite demographic.

What are Lululemon's two major business segments? ›

It operates in two segments, Company-Operated Stores and Direct to Consumer. The company offers pants, shorts, tops, and jackets for healthy lifestyle, such as yoga, running, training, and other activities. It also provides fitness- inspired accessories and footwear.

What is the most efficient pricing strategy? ›

Value pricing is perhaps the most important pricing strategy of all. This takes into account how beneficial, high-quality, and important your customers believe your products or services to be.

Which pricing strategy is best and why? ›

Pros and cons of different pricing strategies
Pros
Price skimmingIts early high prices help recoup development costs.
Penetration pricingIts significantly lower price can motivate customers to switch brands
Value-based pricingA boon to artisanal goods, high-tech products and other unique services.
2 more rows

Why is pricing the most important? ›

The importance of pricing

Pricing is important since it defines the value that your product are worth for you to make and for your customers to use. It is the tangible price point to let customers know whether it is worth their time and investment.

What is an example of premium pricing? ›

Premium pricing examples include expensive wines and spirits, luxury cars, bespoke firearms, brand-name watches, and patented pharmaceutical drugs.

What is competitive pricing strategy? ›

What Is Competitive Pricing Strategy? Competitive pricing is the process of strategically selecting price points for your goods or services based on competitor pricing in your market or niche, rather than basing prices solely on business costs or target profit margins.

What are the problems with premium pricing? ›

Disadvantages of Premium Pricing

The costs required to establish and maintain a premium pricing strategy are massive, and must be maintained for as long as this strategy is followed. Otherwise, the premium brand recognition by consumers will falter, and the company will have difficulty maintaining its price points.

What is the average price per product at Lululemon? ›

Lululemon has maintained consistent pricing; its core products, leggings and sports bras, have remained at average price points of 90 and 47 dollars respectively since 2017.

What is the price earnings ratio for Lululemon? ›

Lululemon Athletica's p/e ratio for fiscal years ending February 2019 to 2023 averaged 53.1x. Lululemon Athletica's operated at median p/e ratio of 50.4x from fiscal years ending February 2019 to 2023.

Does Lululemon price match sale? ›

2. lululemon stores will price match lululemon.com and vice versa. Since each store is a franchise, prices in store may not match lululemon.com prices.

What is the price book ratio for Lululemon? ›

Lululemon Athletica's current price is $377.71. Its book value per share for the quarter that ended in Apr. 2023 was $26.10. Hence, today's PB Ratio of Lululemon Athletica is 14.47.

What is lululemon most expensive? ›

There are a total of 9,036 lululemon items for sale on Tradesy today, with the most expensive being a camo “rise and shine” jacket going for $642.50. lululemon CEO, Laurent Potdevin, told Reuters earlier this week that he recognizes the side-effects of producing limited quantities of an item.

Who is Lululemons target market? ›

Lululemon's customers include people in their teens and early thirties, both women and men. Since it sells sportswear, it fits anyone who leads a fitness life. However, it is also ideal for those who wear an athleisure style. Lululemon's target audience is mostly yoga or fitness enthusiasts who value work-life balance.

How does lululemon promote their products? ›

Promotions. As a prestigious brand, Lululemon has used exclusive marketing to promote its brand and products. For the company, word of mouth is actually one of the most important advertising tools. Sales representatives offer personalized recommendations and encourage customers to visit the stores and try out products.

Is lululemon overvalued or undervalued? ›

Summary. LULU' has a weak valuation at its current share price on account of a overvalued PEG ratio despite strong growth. LULU's PE and PEG are worse than the market average leading to a below average valuation score.

What is lululemon value of equity? ›

Lululemon Athletica Shareholders Equity (Quarterly): 3.320B for April 30, 2023.

What companies have the best price to earnings ratio? ›

Stocks with the Lowest PE Ratio
  • Chimerix, Inc. (NASDAQ:CMRX) ...
  • Corebridge Financial, Inc. (NYSE:CRBG) ...
  • Seadrill Limited (NYSE:SDRL) P/E Ratio: 1.06. ...
  • Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (NYSE:TCI) ...
  • City Office REIT, Inc. (NYSE:CIO) ...
  • Vacasa, Inc. (NASDAQ:VCSA) ...
  • Baudax Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:BXRX) ...
  • Vyant Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:VYNT)
Jan 19, 2023

Why is lululemon so expensive? ›

Another is that Lululemon's manufacturing practices, which involve a large number of expensive machines that cost tens-of-thousands of dollars apiece. The company's VP of global product quality once claimed that, “In the testing of the product there's probably 13 to 15 tests that go on.

How much is lululemon employee discount? ›

How Much is the Lululemon Employee Discount? Depends. Depending on how many hours per week you work, you'll either get a 60% or 40% employee discount respectively. It's fair to say the Lululemon discount for employees is one of the best around.

Does lululemon fix holes for free? ›

Your gear should never get in the way and that's why we offer complimentary hemming on tops and pants at all of our stores— no tags or receipt required.

What is an attractive price-to-book ratio? ›

The price-to-book ratio is used by value investors to identify potential investments. P/B ratios under 1.0 are typically considered solid investments by value investors. A good P/B ratio is relative to a business and its industry.

Did LULU raise their prices? ›

Lululemon has increased prices before, drawing negative comments on the brand's subreddit, but otherwise not interfering with its path to its most profitable year ever in 2021. Price hikes have been inevitable across the industry in the last year.

What is a typical price-to-book ratio? ›

The book value of an asset is the same as its carrying value on the balance sheet, and corporations determine it by subtracting the asset's cumulative depreciation. Price-to-book ratios of high-growth corporations are frequently above 1.0, but ratios of distressed companies are occasionally below 1.0.

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