Managing symbolic inaccessibility of luxury: intimidation and selection of consumers at the point of sale

31ème Congrès International de l'AFM (2015)
Authors: S. Borraz



This research analyses marketing practices used to ensure intimidation of the consumers in the luxury shops. Based on the analysis of interviews with various actors in the luxury, we present the way brands realize the luxury promise of symbolic inaccessibility and scarcity by staging the store. This research shows how luxury outlet is the expression of the brand’s power, by selecting and recognizing its clients. We recommend then several actions to resolve this paradox of simultaneous intimidation and capture of consumers.

Keywords: intimidation and selection of consumers at the point of sale