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This is my last post folks, hope you enjoyed the blog!!!

As always,

Peace, love & fashion!!!!!!!!!!

Kitson Goes Green

Kitson boutique recently joined forces with a new brand called LIV GRN, short for Live Green, which promotes the going green movement. According to their website, “LIV GRN is a statement, both in its ecological approach and in the literal message imprinted on every piece in the line... The LIV GRN ladybug logo, integral to every design, is a reminder of how fragile our ecosystem is and how much it needs our care. LIV GRN apparel is designed for everyone. Its brand philosophy is transparent: Smart, simple, savvy, affordable, ethical. Its goal is to inspire, motivate, teach and inform.”

The new LIV GRN, pink cropped tee at Kitson is only $45 and every LIV GRN purchase donates 10% of its sale to Global Green, one of the world’s largest and most recognized green charities. Global Green is led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and Brad Pitt, all fabulously famous people. We all know that Kitson is no foe to celebrity clientele. Therefore, I foresee a possible publicity opportunity for the LIV GRN leaders and Kitson in the future.

Additionally, this chic new label symbolizes Kitson’s humanitarian effort towards preserving the environment. In today’s society, everyone is very environmentally conscious; therefore combing with an eco-friendly campaign is extremely appealing. The LIV GRN movement is a great way for Kitson to develop a positive image for the company, which in times of crisis could be extremely beneficial.

To purchase your LIV GRN t-shirt at Kitson click here!

Peace, love & fashion!!

Crises: Reliance on Internet

As I've discussed throughout this semester, crises can occur spontaneously and occasionally without warning. Therefore, responding to a crisis in a timely manner is crucial. However, current trends in society, technology, and the marketplace are changing the way companies respond to a crisis.

The increasing popularity of the internet has entirely changed the way companies send messages to their target publics. Internally, the booming trend of reliance on internet allows companies to utilize their website as a form of communication throughout a crisis.

After taking a look at Kitson’s website I realized it was severely lacking in many areas. First, the only way to get into direct contact with Kitson boutique is a toll-free number and a generic email address. The company appears rather careless towards customers’ needs. Secondly, I was very disappointed that the press link did not include updated media and press releases. Instead, it only displayed celebrity sightings at the boutique. Lastly, it was very evident that Kitson does not use their website as a means of communication during a crisis.

With that said, I have come up with some recommendations to revamp Kitson’s website. Fraser Ross… include press releases! It’s nice to see celebrity photos, but I want to hear to juicy details. I would also like to feel important… include the telephone numbers to your stores. Maybe I forgot my wallet in the fitting room; I do not want to go through the hassle of calling a 1-800 number when my banking card is MIA. Lastly, I know you have a Facebook fan page. Start incorporating social media links on your website.

Keeping up with today’s current social, technological and market trends is essential. The internet is a perfect way to communicate with your target audience during a crisis. Be prepared, be up-to-date!!

Peace, love & fashion!!!!

Ethical Crises

According to our book Crisis Management in the New Strategy Landscape, an ethical crisis is one that involves behavior by a company which is questionable, but does not necessarily violate the law. Typically, economic motives are linked to unethical and illegal behaviors. With factors like sales, profits and market share placing high amounts of stress on management and employees, it is not uncommon for companies to indulge in unethical behavior.

For a company like Kitson, the most common ethical crisis could result from how their products are manufactured. In a previous blog, I made reference to Camila Elves' handbag line called "Muxo." Elves' line is predominately a leather collection. Unfortunately, leather comes from animals, particularly cattle. I recently came across some unhappy bloggers on Extra.com that were questioning the manufacturing process of "Muxo" leather handbags. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) the slaughtering of cattle for leather has become a booming industry. PETA is an animal rights organization that claims to be the largest animal rights group in the world. Since Kitson sells "Muxo" handbags, this could result in a major crisis for the boutique.

Our book states that the best way to deal with an ethical crisis is to prevent it from happening in the first place. To an extent, the organizational culture has the final say on how ethical or unethical decision making will be in the company. In this particular case, PETA has a major role in deciding what practices, in regards to animals, are ethical or not. Kitson should research the manufacturing process of Elves' "Muxo" leather handbags in order to put a lid on cyber gossip. If in fact, Elves' handbags are created from slaughtered animals, I think it would be in Kitson's best interest to drop the line altogether. We discussed that the line isn't selling anyway. So I say, no harm, no foul!

Peace, love & fashion!!