Burberry stained by undesirable clientele
A model Burberry woman, but could she get a drink in Aberdeen?
Burberry has played down reports that appeared in the Scottish media last month concerning the failure in the branding of its famous tartan check.Several Scottish newspapers reported that a woman who happened to be carrying an authentic tartan check Burberry umbrella and bag entered a pub in Aberdeen only to be turned away, as the establishment had banned people from wearing the check in the pub. Despite protestations, the Filling Station Bar refused to allow her access because of its strict “no Burberry check” rule, due to its association with what is known in the Scottish venacular as ‘neds’. The bar has since issued an apology to the woman concerned.
Burberry did not make an official comment on the report. However, a source close to the company said: “All luxury brands often fall victim to counterfeit copies and I feel for the lady who was actually carrying an authentic Burberry umbrella.
“Burberry UK sales only make up 15 per cent of total sales worldwide, and only 15 per cent of the goods sold by Burberry carry the trademark tartan. Burberry is a very aspirational brand and this can lead to problems in terms of counterfeit goods flooding the market.”
The brand has suffered over the past few years in Scottish cities, and is increasingly regarded as a no longer prestigious brand in many, due to the rise of cheap imitations.
Chairman of Elmwood and brand expert Jonathan Sands said of the story: “My initial reaction is that Burberry has to think laterally instead of rationally if they want to change the situation. If they aligned themselves with a young persons charity and were seen in a more positive light then they would be able to change perception of the overall brand.”
Burberry is owned by Manchester-based company Arg Equation, formerly Great Universal Stores. British supermodel Kate Moss, the face of the brand, heads up a high-profile advertising campaign.