Kurt Geiger is a British footwear and accessories retailer. The company was founded in 1963 by Kurt Geiger and Soloman Lew. It has since become a leading player in the high-label fashion market, with stores located in some of the world’s most prestigious locations including London, New York, and Paris.
The company owns a number of high-end brand lines, such as Kurt Geiger London, Carvela Kurt Geiger, and KG Kurt Geiger. It is headquartered at Britton Street, Clerkenwell, London.
Kurt Geiger’s products are often seen as being sophisticated, with its shoes and accessories often being made from high-quality materials. The company has a long history of working with some of the world’s top designers, such as Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin.
That being said, the designers that Kurt Geiger has collaborated with are well known in the world of fashion. Would that also mean that Kurt Geiger is considered a luxury brand?
Is Kurt Geiger A Luxury Brand?
Kurt Geiger is definitely a luxury brand but with more affordable prices compared to other luxury brands. Its products are made from high-quality materials, and its stores are located in some of the most prestigious locations in the world. If you’re looking for a luxury footwear and accessories brand, Kurt Geiger is definitely one to consider.
1. The Branding Is On Point
Kurt Geiger definitely has the branding of a luxury brand. Since its inception, it has established itself as a high-end fashion retailer, and its branding reflects that. From its luxurious store locations to its designer collaborations, Kurt Geiger has everything you would expect from a luxury brand.
2. The Quality Is There
In addition to having the branding of a luxury brand, Kurt Geiger also has the quality to match. Its products are made from high-quality materials and often feature intricate details. It’s clear that a lot of care and attention goes into each and every Kurt Geiger product.
3. The Manufacturing Process
Kurt Geiger takes great care in ensuring that its products are made to the highest possible standards. And over the years, it has established that. The company doesn’t produce a lot of products, but just enough to keep up with the demand of its high-end clientele. In short, there’s exclusivity on each of its products because they are manufactured in limited numbers.
4. The Materials Used
Kurt Geiger only uses the best materials for its products. That’s why its shoes and accessories often come with a high price tag. But you can be sure that you’re getting your money’s worth when you purchase a Kurt Geiger product.
While others, who are not entirely familiar with the brand, would have doubt when they hear that most of Kurt Geiger’s products are made in China. However, manufacturing in China does not equate to poor quality. In fact, Kurt Geiger has a team of designers and artisans who oversees the production process to ensure that each product meets the company’s high standards.
5. It Collaborates With The Best People
Kurt Geiger has a long history of working with some of the world’s top designers and celebrities to create unique products and endorsements. This just goes to show that Kurt Geiger is a brand that knows how to work with the best in the business.
For instance, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and GQ are just some of the most notable designers and publication that collaborated with Kurt Geiger to design shoes and promote. Meanwhile, in terms of celebrity endorsements, British actress Gemma Chan was named as the face of Kurt Geiger in 2019, while other celebrities have been spotted wearing the brand for such occasions.
6. The Price
Of course, one of the biggest indicators of a luxury brand is its prices. And although Kurt Geiger products are more affordable than other luxe brands, it’s definitely still not considered cheap for a majority of average people. But as we’ve mentioned before, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth when you purchase a Kurt Geiger product because of the quality.
For example, women’s shoes are priced anywhere approximately between $100 to $350, while men’s shoes start at approximately $75 to $280. The bags and accessories, on the other hand, start from $35 and can go over $450. In reality, this price range is not super expensive, but it’s not cheap either.
7. Exclusivity
Lastly, luxury brands are also known for their exclusivity. And Kurt Geiger definitely has that. As we mentioned before, the company doesn’t produce a lot of products, but just enough to keep up with the demands of its high-end clientele. Thus, you won’t find its products in the most common department stores and retailers.
You’re more likely to find Kurt Geiger products in its own standalone stores or in high-end department stores like Selfridges and Harrods. And even then, the products are often displayed in a way that highlights their luxury status.
Does Kurt Geiger Hold Value?
Kurt Geiger definitely holds value for many of its products. Even with a lower price tag, the quality and materials used are definitely on par with other luxury brands. However, it’s also important to remember that exclusivity is often a big factor in determining a product’s luxury status. And in that regard, Kurt Geiger could be considered more of a niche brand.
In terms of resale value, Kurt Geiger products hold their value quite well. For example, a pair of women’s shoes that originally retailed for $300 can be sold for approximately $200 after being worn a few times. While it may not be what many people expect where its value goes up over time, you have to consider that a brand new Kurt Geiger is already considered affordable for a luxury brand. Still, the resale value of the brand’s products is not bad at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Kurt Geiger’s competitors?
According to Craft, the top competitors and alternatives of Kurt Geiger are BestSecret, Citi Trends, Deckers Outdoor, and JD Williams & Company.
What are Kurt Geiger bags made of?
Kurt Geiger bags are made of leather, nylon, and shearling. For example, its Leather Kensington Bag is made of soft lambskin leather. Lambskin leather is known to be softer and more supple than cowhide leather, making it a popular choice for luxury brands.
What company owns Kurt Geiger?
Since 2015, Cinven has acquired the ownership of Kurt Geiger from its previous owner, Sycamore Partners. It is said that the acquisition of the company cost £245 million or approximately $289 million.
