Rapha Closes Office, Lays Off Staff

[kervelo]

https://velo.outsideonline.com/news/rap ... off-staff/

[jayjay]

You should mention "US Office" in the title...

[CR987]

Is it important to know that Rapha got rid of a couple of employees?

[eins4eins]

if its not interesting for you, don't click on this topic.
I think its worth mentioning, because Rapha is a big - maybe even iconic - brand in cycling and paved the way for all these other cycling fashion brands.

[CR987]

if its not interesting for you, don't click on this topic.
I think its worth mentioning, because Rapha is a big - maybe even iconic - brand in cycling and paved the way for all these other cycling fashion brands.

You said it, it's a big company. Do we need to know when they lay off 6 people. Do we need to know when they hire a new admin person!

[Lina]

if its not interesting for you, don't click on this topic.
I think its worth mentioning, because Rapha is a big - maybe even iconic - brand in cycling and paved the way for all these other cycling fashion brands.

They laid off half a dozen people in US. The title is such clickbait especially with how the cycling market is doing right now.

[eins4eins]

if its not interesting for you, don't click on this topic.
I think its worth mentioning, because Rapha is a big - maybe even iconic - brand in cycling and paved the way for all these other cycling fashion brands.

They laid off half a dozen people in US. The title is such clickbait especially with how the cycling market is doing right now.

The lay off is just another part of the picture. They've been writing red numbers year after year and the time between sales is getting shorter and shorter. Closing an office is just another sign of the difficulties they're in.

[CR987]

How can you possibly lose money when you sell $1 clothing for $150

[garbageman]

How can you possibly lose money when you sell $1 clothing for $150

sponsor a World Tour team.

[AFE]

Rapha sells bibs to customer
Bibs have minor error
Customers makes warranty claim
Rapha returns money
Customer keeps bibs

[howaboutme]

How can you possibly lose money when you sell $1 clothing for $150

Not enough people buying it for $150 because we know it's a $1 item? These are essentially Birthday/Christmas items someone buys for you, not the "my bib just ripped, I need to replace it" items, at least not for me.

[AJS914]

Why nobody is buying Rapha. Musette: $60, Vest: $175

[smartyiak]

I always wonder how some companies survive and some don't when they follow Rapha's model (I'm sure there's a name for it, but I have no idea): offer a new product at MSRP...as the season goes on (20% OFF)...then 30% off...then season ending sale ~ 50% off. And often you can find a discount or Strava code.

I own some Rapha stuff...and some of it I love (sunglasses, winter bibs) and most of it I like...above average. But I've never bought any Rapha gear for even close to MSRP...or even regular sale....of all the Rapha stuff I own, I've never bought anything for less that 50% off.

I imagine some people are "influencers" who snap up stuff as soon as it's released...and everyone else is like me: I'll just wait until you discount it enough to make me think it's worth it

[RDY]

I can't think of a single person I know even tangientially who's bought anything Rapha in the last 3 years who's under 50 - and most of the people still buying seem to be well north of 60. It was always a bit like that, but it's seen as such an old man's brand now that it's really hurting them even with old men. That and the pricing. Younger posers have all moved on to MAAP, PNS, Le Col etc.

[AJS914]

But I've never bought any Rapha gear for even close to MSRP...or even regular sale....of all the Rapha stuff I own, I've never bought anything for less that 50% off.

That describes all of my cycling clothing. Buy bib shorts in the winter and tights/knickers in the summer at half off....