EDITORIAL: Edcon’s ugly truth
This is as much a story of failed vision and management as it is one of a company driven into the ground by capricious owners unwilling to invest
In 1996, Edcon launched beauty boutique Red Square. The standalone stores were glamorous jewel boxes of cosmetics with glossy black interiors, perfectly groomed shop assistants and rows of newly launched Estée Lauder Pleasures and Calvin Klein’s CK One.Now, 22 years later, this world of "free gifts with purchase" and sneaky sprays of expensive cologne is no more. Last week Edcon CEO Grant Pattison announced the closure of the store and its homeware sibling, Boardmans.But make no mistake: this is as much a story of failed vision and management as it is one of a company driven into the ground by capricious owners unwilling to invest.Both these brands let themselves go. Just ask shoppers — something Edcon evidently didn’t do. Their once-polished veneers got tatty around the edges, while apathetic staff lazily hawked JLo scents and Brabantia dustbins.While it seems obvious to blame the demise of both on Edcon’s purchase by Bain Capital in 2007, that doesn’t do justice to the systemic m...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.