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  • Writer's pictureAarathi J

John Lewis's Pricing Strategy: A Deep Dive into Women's Clothing


john lewis's pricing strategy

The John Lewis women's clothing dataset presents a comprehensive view of the diverse range of women's apparel available from this esteemed retailer. This Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) aims to delve into the dataset to uncover valuable insights and patterns. By examining key attributes such as brand diversity, product types, pricing dynamics including discounts, and customer ratings, we can gain a deeper understanding of the retail landscape at John Lewis.


John Lewis is renowned for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, offering a broad spectrum of clothing options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Our analysis will provide a detailed exploration of the pricing strategies employed, the distribution of products across various brands and categories, and how these factors influence consumer behavior. Additionally, we will investigate how discounting practices affect sales and customer perceptions.


Through this EDA, we aim to reveal the underlying trends and strategies that drive the women's clothing segment at John Lewis. Whether it's understanding the balance between luxury and affordable brands, the impact of seasonal discounts, or the correlation between pricing and customer ratings, this analysis will offer valuable insights for both consumers and industry professionals. Join us as we unveil the digital shelf of John Lewis, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shape its women's clothing offerings.


Exploring Price Distributions: Retail vs. Sale Prices


Understanding the distribution of product prices is crucial for gaining insights into market trends, pricing strategies, and consumer behavior. In this analysis, we explore the distribution of both retail and sale prices using visual tools like boxplots and KDE plots. These tools help us uncover patterns, variability, and key differences between retail and sale prices, providing a comprehensive view of how prices are structured and influenced by discounting strategies.


Box Plot Analysis

A boxplot is a powerful visual representation that illustrates the distribution of data, highlighting the median, quartiles, and potential outliers. The median separates the higher half from the lower half of the data, while quartiles divide the data into four equal parts: the first quartile (Q1) marks the 25th percentile, the second quartile (Q2 or median) the 50th percentile, and the third quartile (Q3) the 75th percentile. Outliers are data points significantly higher or lower than the rest of the data, often appearing as individual dots outside the main range of the dataset.



boxplot of retail and sale prices

Retail Prices:

  • Count: There are 26,595 products.

  • Mean: The average retail price is approximately £106.64.

  • Standard Deviation: Retail prices vary considerably around the mean, with a standard deviation of £82.67.

  • Minimum: The lowest retail price observed is £3.50.

  • 25th Percentile (Q1): 25% of the prices are below £50.00.

  • Median (50th Percentile, Q2): The median retail price is £85.00, indicating that half of the prices are below this value.

  • 75th Percentile (Q3): 75% of the prices are below £139.00.

  • Maximum: The highest retail price observed is £1,499.00.


Sale Prices:

  • Count: There are 26,595 products.

  • Mean: The average sale price is approximately £86.85, slightly lower than the average retail price.

  • Standard Deviation: Sale prices also show variability around their mean, with a standard deviation of £71.14.

  • Minimum: The lowest sale price observed is £3.50, matching the minimum retail price.

  • 25th Percentile (Q1): 25% of the sale prices are below £42.00.

  • Median (50th Percentile, Q2): The median sale price is £65.00, indicating that half of the prices are below this value.

  • 75th Percentile (Q3): 75% of the sale prices are below £109.00.

  • Maximum: The highest sale price observed is £1,499.00, matching the maximum retail price.


Key Insights from Boxplots:

  1. Variability in Prices: Both retail and sale prices show considerable variability, with sale prices generally lower than retail prices.

  2. Presence of Outliers: High-priced outliers in both retail and sale prices indicate a few products significantly more expensive than the majority.

  3. Spread of Prices: Retail prices exhibit a wider spread (higher standard deviation) compared to sale prices, indicating greater variability before discounts are applied.

  4. Impact of Discounting: Differences in mean, median, and quartile values between retail and sale prices illustrate the impact of discounting strategies on pricing.


A Kernel Density Estimate (KDE) plot provides a smooth, continuous line representing the frequency of different values in a dataset, showing where the data tends to cluster.


KDE plot of retail and sale prices

Key Insights from KDE Plots:

  1. Price Range Distribution: Both retail and sale prices exhibit a similar distribution pattern, with higher frequencies in lower price ranges.

  2. Effect of Discounts: Sale prices are generally lower than retail prices across most ranges, highlighting variability in discounting strategies.

  3. Higher Frequency at Lower Prices: There is a notable peak in the lower price ranges for both retail and sale prices, indicating that most products fall within these more affordable categories.

  4. Outliers and High Prices: While rare, instances of significantly higher-priced products suggest premium offerings or outliers.

  5. Comparison of Peaks: The peak of the retail price distribution is higher than that of the sale price, reflecting a general shift towards lower prices due to discounts.


Through this analysis, we gain a deeper understanding of the pricing landscape, identifying key trends and the impact of discounting on product prices.


Price Insights and Brand Analysis


This report delves into the sale prices of dresses from the John Lewis dataset, categorizing brands into the top 10 low-priced and high-priced categories based on their average sale prices. By segmenting the brands in this manner, we can uncover valuable insights into the pricing strategies and target consumer segments of various fashion brands. This analysis highlights the distinct market positions of luxury and affordable brands, shedding light on their approach to catering to different customer demographics and preferences.


top 10 high priced brands

Key Insights into High-Priced Brands:


  1. Luxury Segment: These brands command high prices, indicating a focus on premium materials, superior craftsmanship, and exclusive designs.

  2. Brand Perception: Targeting affluent customers, these brands emphasize high-end fashion and luxury items.

  3. Market Position: Positioned at the upper echelon of the market, these brands cater to specific style preferences and quality expectations, aiming to deliver a premium shopping experience.


10 lowest priced brands

Key Insights into Low-Priced Brands:

  1. Affordable Range: These brands offer products at lower price points, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers.

  2. Market Position: Catering to consumers seeking economical choices without compromising on quality, these brands focus on value and accessibility.

  3. Target Audience: Likely attracting customers looking for everyday wear or basic clothing items, these brands appeal to a wide audience including younger consumers and students.


Comparative Analysis of Low-Priced and High-Priced Brands:


Market Segmentation:

The dataset reveals a clear segmentation between low-priced and high-priced brands, each catering to distinct consumer segments based on budget and preference for luxury.


Price Range Distribution:

  • Low-Priced Brands: Predominantly clustered below £20, these brands target cost-conscious consumers looking for affordable yet stylish options.

  • High-Priced Brands: Concentrated in the range of £200 to £350, these brands appeal to affluent shoppers seeking premium quality, exclusive designs, and luxury fashion experiences.


Consumer Demographics:

  • Low-Priced Brands: Likely attract younger consumers, students, or those looking for everyday wear and basic fashion essentials.

  • High-Priced Brands: Target affluent individuals, professionals, and fashion enthusiasts willing to invest in high-end, distinctive apparel.


Market Positioning:

  • Low-Priced Brands: Positioned to compete on price, value, and accessibility in the mass market segment of women's clothing.

  • High-Priced Brands: Positioned as aspirational brands that offer superior quality, unique designs, and a luxury shopping experience.


Through this analysis, we gain a deeper understanding of the market dynamics, consumer preferences, and strategic positioning of different brands within the John Lewis dataset.


The Impact of Discounts on John Lewis's Women's Clothing Sales


Understanding the balance between discounted and non-discounted products is crucial for retailers aiming to optimize their pricing strategies. This analysis delves into the distribution of discounted versus non-discounted products, offering a comprehensive look at the implications on consumer behavior, revenue stability, and business strategy. Through visual representations such as donut charts and histograms, key insights are derived to guide strategic decision-making in retail.


Comparison of Discounted and Non-Discounted Product Distribution


This donut chart visually presents the proportion and count of discounted versus non-discounted products, providing a clear comparison between these two categories. The chart's data reveals the strategic balance retailers maintain between offering discounts to attract customers and relying on regular pricing to sustain revenue.


distribution analysis of products


  • Market Strategy: The chart highlights that 42.5% of products are offered at discounted prices, indicating a deliberate strategy to attract price-sensitive consumers and boost sales during promotions. This approach is particularly effective in driving volume sales during peak shopping periods.


  • Revenue Impact: Despite the significant presence of discounted products, a larger proportion of 57.5% non-discounted products suggests a reliance on regular pricing strategies. This balance is essential for maintaining revenue stability and protecting profit margins, as not all consumers are driven by discounts.


  • Consumer Behavior: Offering both discounted and non-discounted products caters to a broader consumer base. Price-sensitive shoppers may be drawn to discounts, while others may prioritize perceived value or brand loyalty, opting for non-discounted items.


  • Business Flexibility: The mix of discounted and non-discounted offerings provides retailers with the flexibility to adapt their pricing strategies according to market conditions, consumer demand, and competitive pressures.


Analyzing Discount Patterns: Insights into Consumer Savings


A histogram offers a detailed view of the discount percentages applied to products, shedding light on pricing dynamics and consumer savings patterns. Each bar in the histogram represents a range of discount percentages, revealing how frequently these discounts occur and their potential impact on consumer behavior.



histogram of discount percentage

  • Consumer Attraction: Discounts in the 30-50% range appear frequently, suggesting that they are particularly effective in attracting consumers. These mid-range discounts likely strike a balance between perceived value and savings, appealing to a wide audience.

  • Strategic Pricing: Discounts above 50% are less common but serve as potent tools for clearing inventory or attracting highly price-sensitive consumers. These substantial discounts can create a sense of urgency and drive immediate purchases.

  • Limited Deep Discounts: Discounts exceeding 80% are rare, indicating they are likely reserved for specific scenarios such as clearance sales or significant promotions. These deep discounts can be a strategic move to clear out old inventory or generate buzz around a promotional event.


Analysis of Discounted and Non-Discounted Brands in John Lewis Women's Clothing


This analysis focuses on the prevalence of discounts among brands in the John Lewis women's clothing department, revealing how discounting strategies vary across different brands.


proportion of brands offering discounts vs no discounts

  • Prevalence of Discounts: A significant majority (73.1%) of brands offer discounts, showcasing how widespread discounting is as a tactic to attract customers. This trend suggests that John Lewis leverages promotional pricing to stay competitive and appeal to cost-conscious shoppers.


  • Non-Discounted Brands: In contrast, 26.9% of brands do not offer discounts, possibly aiming to maintain a premium brand image or a consistent pricing strategy. This approach could appeal to customers who associate non-discounted prices with higher quality or exclusivity.


  • Consumer Behavior and Business Strategy: The high percentage of discounted brands implies that many John Lewis customers are motivated by discounts, which influences the store's inventory management and marketing strategies. This may lead to a focus on seasonal sales, clearance events, and special promotions to drive traffic and sales.


  • Market Positioning: John Lewis appears to strategically position itself to cater to both discount-seeking consumers and those who value brand prestige and quality. This dual approach helps the retailer attract a diverse customer base, enabling it to adapt to varying market demands.


Luxury vs. Budget: How John Lewis Balances Premium and Affordable Fashion


In the dynamic world of fashion retail, understanding the relationship between a brand's product range and its pricing strategy is crucial for gauging market positioning and consumer appeal. This analysis delves into the top brands in the women's clothing sector, highlighting their total number of products and average sale prices. By examining these metrics, we can uncover key insights into how these brands position themselves within the market and how they attract different customer segments.


Top Brands by Total Number of Products and Their Average Sale Prices


This analysis focuses on the leading brands in the women's clothing sector, examining the total number of products each brand offers and their corresponding average sale prices. The data reveals a diverse market landscape, where brands such as Gina Bacconi and Phase Eight are positioned as premium occasion wear labels, while others like HUSH, Whistles, and White Stuff cater to the contemporary casual wear segment.



top 10 brands by total no of products

average sale price by top counted brand

Key Insights:


  1. Diverse Market Positioning: The top brands vary significantly in their market positioning, with some focusing on premium segments and others on more casual, everyday wear. For instance, Gina Bacconi and Phase Eight are known for their elegant, high-end designs, while HUSH and Whistles appeal to a more relaxed, contemporary style.


  2. Price vs. Product Range: Brands like Mango and Phase Eight stand out for offering a large number of products across various categories while maintaining competitive average sale prices. This strategy enables them to appeal to a broad customer base, balancing variety with affordability.


  3. Consumer Appeal: Each brand's product range and pricing strategy reflect their targeted consumer demographics. Luxury-focused brands command higher prices, attracting consumers who prioritize quality and exclusivity, whereas brands with more accessible pricing aim to reach a wider audience.


  4. Competitive Landscape: The presence of both high-priced and affordable brands within John Lewis's portfolio allows the retailer to cater to different segments of the market effectively. This diverse offering enhances John Lewis's competitive edge, especially in the women's clothing sector.


  5. Brand Strength: Brands like Reiss and Hobbs command higher average sale prices, indicating strong brand equity. This suggests that consumers trust these brands' quality and design aesthetics, allowing them to maintain a premium pricing strategy.


This analysis provides valuable insights into how these top brands navigate the competitive landscape, balance their product offerings, and align their pricing strategies with consumer expectations.


Analysis of Average Sale Price by Dress Type


Understanding the average sale prices across various dress types provides valuable insights into market positioning and consumer preferences within the fashion industry. This analysis examines the average sale prices of different dress categories, highlighting the price disparities and how they reflect targeted market segmentation. By exploring these variations, we can better comprehend how brands cater to different consumer needs, from luxury to budget-friendly options.


Detailed Description:

This analysis delves into the average sale prices across various dress types, offering a comprehensive view of how different categories are positioned within the market. The data reveals significant variations in pricing, which can be attributed to factors such as the type of garment, the materials used, and the target consumer demographics.



average sale price by dress type

Key Insights:


  1. Highest and Lowest Prices:

    • Highest Average Sale Price: The 'Coat & Jacket' category leads with an average sale price of £153.88, positioning these items as premium products. This higher price point suggests a focus on quality, durability, and possibly brand prestige, catering to consumers willing to invest in outerwear.

    • Lowest Average Sale Price: On the other end of the spectrum, 'Knickers & Brief' have the lowest average sale price at £20.58. These items are more budget-friendly, reflecting a market segment that prioritizes affordability in everyday essentials.


  2. Market Segmentation:

    • The data highlights a diverse range of price points across different dress types, illustrating the fashion market's segmentation. This segmentation is often based on factors such as style, material, and the intended consumer group.

    • Categories like 'Jeans,' 'Skirt,' and 'Robes & Gown' fall within the mid-range pricing tier. These categories appeal to fashion-conscious consumers who seek a balance between affordability and style, offering options that are both accessible and trendy.


This analysis of average sale prices by dress type not only sheds light on the pricing strategies of different categories but also offers a glimpse into how brands target various consumer segments. By understanding these price points, retailers and brands can better align their offerings with consumer expectations and market demands.


Delving into Top 10 Sleeve Types and Their Average Sale Prices


The choice of sleeve style can significantly impact the appeal and pricing of a garment, reflecting consumer preferences and fashion trends. This analysis explores the top 10 sleeve types and their average sale prices, providing insights into how sleeve styles influence both market demand and pricing strategies. By examining these factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors driving consumer choices and how different sleeve types are valued in the fashion industry.


Detailed Description:

This analysis focuses on the top 10 sleeve types, comparing their prevalence and average sale prices to uncover trends and consumer preferences. The data reveals notable variations in both the count and pricing of these sleeve styles, reflecting diverse fashion tastes and market demands.


top 10 sleeve types

average sale price

Key Insights:


  1. Consumer Preference for Long Sleeves:

    • Count and Accessibility: Long Sleeve tops are the most common among the top 10 sleeve types, indicating a strong consumer preference for this classic and versatile option. Despite its high count, the average sale price for long sleeves is relatively lower compared to some other sleeve styles. This suggests that long sleeves are widely accessible and cater to a broad range of price points, making them a popular choice across various consumer segments.


  2. Variation in Pricing:

    • Premium Pricing for One Shoulder Dresses: Among the top 10 sleeve types, One Shoulder dresses command the highest average sale price. This pricing trend indicates that One Shoulder styles are perceived as more premium or fashionable, appealing to consumers looking for unique and stylish options.

    • Higher Prices for Cap Sleeve and Elbow Length Sleeves: Cap Sleeve and Elbow Length sleeves also stand out with higher average prices. This suggests that these specific sleeve styles are associated with higher perceived value, potentially due to their design complexity or seasonal fashion trends.


  3. Moderate Pricing for Popular Styles:

    • Sleeveless and Short Sleeve Dresses: These styles, while popular in terms of count, are priced competitively. Their affordability and comfort appeal to a broad consumer base seeking stylish yet accessible options.

    • Three Quarter Length Sleeves: This sleeve type offers a balanced option between coverage and price, catering to consumers who desire a versatile garment that bridges the gap between short and long sleeves.


  4. Niche Appeal:

    • Balloon Long Sleeve and Long Sleeve Puff Sleeve Styles: Although less common in terms of count, these sleeve styles attract consumer interest with moderately priced options. Their unique designs cater to niche fashion preferences, offering distinctive choices for fashion enthusiasts.


This comprehensive analysis of sleeve types and their average sale prices highlights the diverse factors influencing consumer preferences and pricing strategies in the fashion industry. Understanding these dynamics can help retailers and designers better align their offerings with market trends and consumer expectations.


Consumer Perception and Brand Loyalty: Insights from John Lewis's Pricing Patterns


Understanding how products are rated by consumers provides valuable insights into customer satisfaction and the overall quality of offerings. This analysis explores the distribution of products across various rating ranges, from 1 to 2 through 4 to 5. By examining these ratings, we can gauge the level of customer satisfaction and identify trends in consumer perception.


Distribution of Products by Consumer Rating: Insights into Customer Feedback


Analyzing product ratings provides a clear picture of customer satisfaction and product quality. This analysis examines how products are distributed across different rating ranges, from 1 to 2 up to 4 to 5. By understanding these ratings, we can assess the level of positive feedback received and the effectiveness of product offerings in meeting customer expectations.


Detailed Description:

This analysis visualizes the distribution of products according to consumer ratings, revealing how products are spread across various rating ranges. Each bar in the plot represents a specific rating interval, illustrating the total number of products within each range. This data helps us understand overall customer satisfaction and the effectiveness of the product lineup.


distribution of ratings

Key Insights:

  1. Rating Distribution:

    • Prevalence of High Ratings: The distribution clearly shows a dominance of higher ratings, with the majority of products (4,450) falling within the '4 to 5' rating range. This indicates that most products receive positive feedback, reflecting high customer satisfaction.

  2. Customer Satisfaction:

    • High Levels of Satisfaction: The large number of products rated between '4 to 5' suggests that customers are highly satisfied with their purchases. This positive feedback underscores the quality of products offered and the effectiveness of customer service.

  3. Consumer Perception:

    • Alignment with Customer Expectations: The significant representation of products in the '3 to 4' and '4 to 5' rating ranges indicates that John Lewis successfully meets or exceeds customer expectations across various product categories. This broad positive perception suggests that the product range is well-received by consumers.


Overall, this analysis of product ratings highlights a strong trend towards customer satisfaction, with a substantial majority of products receiving high ratings. This reflects positively on the quality of John Lewis's offerings and their ability to meet customer needs.


Conclusion

John Lewis’s pricing strategy for women’s clothing reflects a sophisticated approach to market positioning and consumer engagement. Through our detailed Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), we have uncovered valuable insights into how this renowned retailer manages its diverse product range, pricing dynamics, and customer satisfaction.


The analysis reveals a clear segmentation in the pricing of women’s apparel, with high-end brands positioned at the upper end of the price spectrum, while affordable brands cater to budget-conscious shoppers. This balance ensures that John Lewis can appeal to a broad audience, from those seeking luxury items to consumers looking for everyday wear at competitive prices.


Our examination of price distributions, including retail and sale prices, highlights the significant impact of discounting strategies. Sale prices generally reflect a lower cost compared to retail prices, showcasing the retailer's ability to attract customers through promotions while maintaining a stable revenue base with non-discounted items. The variation in discount percentages further underscores John Lewis's strategic approach to pricing, balancing consumer attraction with inventory management.


The detailed analysis of average sale prices by dress type and sleeve style provides deeper insights into market preferences and pricing strategies. High average prices for categories like 'Coat & Jacket' and specific sleeve styles such as One Shoulder dresses indicate a premium positioning, while lower prices for items like 'Knickers & Brief' reflect more budget-friendly options. This segmentation aligns with consumer preferences, showcasing the retailer’s capability to offer a wide range of products that meet different needs and price points.


Finally, the distribution of products by consumer ratings underscores a strong trend towards high customer satisfaction. With a majority of products receiving ratings between '4 to 5,' John Lewis demonstrates its commitment to quality and customer service. The data indicates that the retailer successfully meets or exceeds customer expectations, enhancing its reputation and appeal.


Data used for this analysis has been extracted using web scraping from the John Lewis website, cleaned and enriched using different techniques. Contact us to access the complete web scraped data from John Lewis.


In conclusion, John Lewis's approach to pricing, brand diversity, and discounting strategies highlights its effectiveness in navigating the competitive landscape of women's clothing. By offering a well-balanced mix of luxury and affordable options, and leveraging strategic discounting, John Lewis continues to cater to diverse consumer needs while maintaining a strong position in the market. This analysis not only sheds light on the intricacies of John Lewis's pricing strategy but also provides actionable insights for both consumers and industry professionals.


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