Luxury and apparel brands peform well in the Best Global Brands ranking

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Oct 1, 2013

According to the ‘Best Global Brands’ ranking by Interbrand, Apple and Google have overtaken Coca Cola for the first for the time ever. Many clothing, luxury and toiletry brands also climbed up the list, reinforcing their importance in the consumer goods market.

“Despite the fact that China’s GDP growth has slowed, luxury brands performed solidly in this year’s Best Global Brands ranking. Seven of this year's 100 most valuable brands hail from the luxury sector, and each increased its brand value by five percent or more,” said the ranking report. “Key drivers of growth for the luxury sector are likely due to a renewed sense of consumer confidence, increased store openings –particularly in the US and China — as well as the brands’ strong focus on linking the brick-and-mortar and digital brand experiences each has to offer.”

Louis Vuitton, for example, is ranked as the leading luxury brand and has seen its value increase by 6% to 24.89 billion dollars. It is placed at number 17. Prada, the fifth luxury brand in the list, saw its value pike by 30% and jumped 12 places in the ranking to sit at number 72. “By effectively intertwining its digital and physical touchpoints and with the Prada Foundation’s support of the art world, Prada has been able to engage with its customers in more meaningful ways – and expand its global footprint in the process,” said the report.

As for clothing, H&M reigns supreme at 21st position in the overall ranking. Zara is playing catch up at number 36, after moving from 44th to 37th position last year. Gap – which is just hanging on at number 100 – fell 16 places from 84th position in 2012. Ralph Lauren managed to clamber up 3 places to number 88 in the 2013 ranking.

On the sportier side of things, Nike continued its ascent up the list, gaining two places as the 26th best global brand. Adidas jumped 5 places to number 55, after sustaining 60th position for the two previous years.

According to the report, Amazon’s value has grown by 27%, thanks largely to its ability to innovate. “The e-commerce innovator continues to differentiate itself from rivals by taking on initiatives such as Amazon Appstore, which provides a comprehensive mobile experience for Google Android devices,” explained the report. “Amazon has also expanded into new businesses such as TV-set-top boxes, original programming, 3-D smartphones, the Kindle line of e-book readers, and same-day grocery delivery service. Such initiatives, if successful, could mean Amazon will play an even greater and more holistic role in its consumers’ future retail experiences,” it continued.