I was reading this article today about Gerry Harvey and the call for him to sack himself and I thought it was interesting.... while he is a great 'brand' himself maybe there are times when the brand he represents suffers.
Imagine "Harvey Norman" without Gerry Harvey ... now think back... we thought the same with Dick Smith.... it has been a long time since Dick Smith (the man) was involved with Dick Smith (the stores) and yet both brands have survived. The man and the brand have become separated but not to the detriment of anyone.
Maybe that is something that needs to be done to ensure the brand survives ... and maybe it is time for Gerry the brand to step away from Harvey Norman the brand to ensure it's survival.... or is it. The important thing here is to decide what the Harvey Norman brand wants to be .... new and online or like it is today.
Interestingly though... would it be the same argument if we were talking about Sir Richard Branson ... probably not!
The key to this debate is simple - Gerry has not evolved - he has not let others take the lead - he has not shown that he is of this new online digital age... instead he has constantly bemoaned online stores, the increasing competition, etc... and this is reflected in the Harvey Norman brand. They are hardly 'up-to-date'... you don't see techies hanging around them ... or attractive, high quality furniture in the latest styles ... but if the desire is to keep Harvey Norman brand to be exactly the same as it is... then keep Gerry there!!!
The only danger is... does the consumer still relate to the Harvey Norman / Gerry Harvey brand? As they are losing market share and profit - maybe not. At the end of the day the customer decides what brand they want to support and what brand they identify with... and maybe this is who Gerry should be listening to!
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