Nautica sold to Authentic Brands

[Pink Jazz]

https://www.retaildive.com/news/authentic-brands-snaps-up-nautica-from-vf/519416/

After suffering years of losses, VF has unloaded its Nautica brand to Authentic Brands. Nautica's prime was in the 1990s, but since the 2000s they have lost a lot of popularity.

The problem I think that Nautica currently faces that it is in an odd position in the market, squeezed between mid-range and high-end. They don't know if they want to be an IZOD/Chaps-type brand or a Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein/Polo Ralph Lauren-type brand. Nautica is priced above the former but below the latter, but does not nearly hold the prestige of the latter these days, and one of the former (IZOD) has stepped up their marketing game with more innovative styles in recent years (such as the Advantage Polo), which may also be taking away some market share.

I have a few Nautica shirts, although they don't seem to be any better than my IZOD shirts. My grandfather really likes Nautica cologne.

 

[Captante]

Biggest problem with Nautica and the majority of supposedly "premium" brands (ie: Abercrombie) is that most are no better quality then less expensive options.

 

[nakedfrog]

'kay.

 

[Pink Jazz]

Biggest problem with Nautica and the majority of supposedly "premium" brands (ie: Abercrombie) is that most are no better quality then less expensive options.

I have a few Nautica shirts that I got at discounted prices either at T.J. Maxx or Amazon, and they don't seem to be any better quality than my IZOD shirts. Yet Nautica doesn't hold the prestige these days that Polo Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger does; most people looking for premium brands would buy those brands instead of Nautica. For those who are looking for a more mid-range brand, they would buy IZOD or Chaps instead for less money. There is really no place in the market to be squeezed between mid-range and high-end as far as preppy brands go.

 

[Captante]

Agreed ... I've actually had good luck with Izod making it an exception to the rule and further I often find it at steep discounts.

 

[AdamK47]

How can such a thing happen it today's society? I mean, we have a society here, don't we?

 

[rh71]

It's so nice not being a clothing brand snob. I have 2 brands of a nearly identical item and neither are worse for wear after over a decade.

 

[Pink Jazz]

Interestingly, a sign that the Nautica brand is dying is that I am noticing I am not seeing the brand at our local Macy's locations anymore. Also, some of the local Stein Mart locations have also dropped their products except for the dress shirts.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

I have a few Nautica shirts that I got at discounted prices either at T.J. Maxx or Amazon, and they don't seem to be any better quality than my IZOD shirts. Yet Nautica doesn't hold the prestige these days that Polo Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger does; most people looking for premium brands would buy those brands instead of Nautica. For those who are looking for a more mid-range brand, they would buy IZOD or Chaps instead for less money. There is really no place in the market to be squeezed between mid-range and high-end as far as preppy brands go.

I find all of those brands to be complete shit - Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo - all of them are horrible as far as quality and pricing. Maybe I'm weird though.

I don't buy based off brand names except for work clothes due to knowing quality brands.... For everything else, I just buy whatever fits, is comfortable, and looks good.

 

[Pink Jazz]

I find all of those brands to be complete shit - Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo - all of them are horrible as far as quality and pricing. Maybe I'm weird though.

I don't buy based off brand names except for work clothes due to knowing quality brands.... For everything else, I just buy whatever fits, is comfortable, and looks good.

I like IZOD since the provide great quality for the price, provide one of the best fits, and have good looking styles. I have seen some higher end brands and they don't seem to be any better quality, and some such ad Polo Ralph Lauren tend to run small.