Web Data in Emergency Situations: The MatchesFashion case
More case studies for web data
About Data Boutique
Data Boutique is a data marketplace focused on web scraping. We make it simpler to match those who collect data with those who know how to use it.
Web data in emergency situations: The MatchesFashion case
The Emergency:
On March 7th, Business of Fashion reported that Matches (Formerly MatchesFashion) will be shut down by its new owner, Frasers Group. Frasers bought the retailer for 52M GBP from Apax partners just two months earlier. In 2017, Apax Partners purchased MatchesFashion at a reported $1 billion USD valuation.
A relevant online retailer shuts down, and this means both trouble and opportunity for many businesses.
What may happen now, and why it’s key to use data to monitor the situation
The shutdown of MatchesFashion may have several key consequences for other online luxury retailers in the short and mid-term:
Market Redistribution: Competitors may experience an influx of customers seeking alternatives. This could boost sales and market share for those able to capture the displaced customer base, shifting competitive dynamics.
Supply Chain Impact: Current Matches inventory needs to find a way in the off-price market; there might be bargains to be made. Brands distributed by Matches might seek new partnerships and renegotiate terms.
Price and Discounting Strategies: Initially, there might be an increase in promotional activities as retailers attempt to attract MatchesFashion's former customers. However, in the mid-term, there could be a reassessment of discounting strategies as the market stabilizes and retailers focus on brand value and customer loyalty.
Investor Sentiment: The closure of MatchesFashion, coupled with Farfetch's delisting, could dampen investor enthusiasm for the online luxury retail space, especially for companies reliant on a similar multibrand strategy. This might lead to more cautious investment, both from public market investors and private equity firms, impacting the availability of capital for growth and expansion.
Market Perception: The broader perception of the online luxury retail market may shift, prompting companies to more clearly articulate their value propositions and differentiation strategies. There could be an increased focus on sustainability, exclusivity, and personalized customer experiences as key drivers of value in the eyes of both consumers and investors.
What data to use if you are a retailer, a brand, a supply chain operator, or an investor
In the wake of MatchesFashion's closure, three critical data points demand heightened attention from competitors, brands, supply chain operators, and investors:
Prices: Pricing (in)discipline is the first factor that pulls consumer attention, it will be a key element for all players to monitor.
Discounts play an even more crucial role in driving consumer traffic and sales volumes, especially in a shifting landscape where capturing MatchesFashion's former customer base becomes a strategic priority.
Inventory levels offer insights into MatchesFashion (an their competitors) stock.
Each data point provides strategic insights that can help stakeholders adapt to market changes, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions amidst the evolving competitive dynamics following MatchesFashion's exit from the market.
Geographical coverage: fashion luxury has global coverage, and prices and discounts change significantly by region, so we suggest a global coverage (USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Turkey, Middle East, Singapore, China, Japan, and Australia) at least at a weekly rate.
Websites: we recommend monitoring at least the top 10 MatchesFashion competitors listed here:
Farfetch: A leading global platform for luxury fashion, also in troubled waters.
Net-a-Porter: Part of the YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP, owned by Richemond.
Mytheresa: A Munich-based luxury e-commerce platform, publicly listed.
SSENSE: A Canadian-based online retailer.
Moda Operandi: Runway pre-order runway collections, as well as in-season items.
Luisa Via Roma: An Italian retailer.
Yoox: Part of the YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP, Yoox is known for its extensive range of end-of-season stock.
Giglio.com: An Italian online fashion retailer.
Cettire: A global online marketplace, listed in Australia.
Italist: A global online marketplace. Together with Cettire, they have been capturing part of the Farfetch outflows of boutiques.
Where to get this data ASAP
Databoutique.com: It is the fastest way to access web-scraped data. It’s already there, clearly priced and used by hundreds of companies.
You could also do the collection yourself, but by the time you’re ready, the crisis will be over.
Subscribe and spread the word
If you like to collect, use, analyze, squeeze, or torture data, join this newsletter and spread the word. Want to speak to us? Join our Discord channels.