With
such high energy and a passion for the “New and the Next” an amazing entrepreneur was
Born. Henri Willis Bendel was born in 1868 in Lafayette, Louisiana. At the age of 10 Henri’s beautiful mother became a successful and
important business woman mastering and managing a dry goods store, drug store,
and funeral parlor. Henri’s stepfather was no joke; he owned a large department
store as well and the entertainment center in Louisiana which made him an
important person in the town. “His stepfather was also known as one of the most successful businessman in the 19th century”. Henri’s skills
and former attributes all derived from his parents’ success and determination.
He decided to move to Morgan city where he built relationships from the ground
up and worked alongside important people such as Aaron Lehman who became an
important person towards Henris success. 1895 was a big change for Bendel and a
very important date which marked his first store opening in New York on Ninth
Street. Bendels success kept leading one after another as he created many
different products and accessories. His name was widely known in a short matter
of time and everyone from celebrities to elites knew who Bendel was. “Ever innovative, he understoodthe idea of creating a recognizable brand” which became his plan towards
success.
“Henri Bendel specializes in unique
fashion accessories including designer handbags and jewelry that will make
people stop and stare”.
Henri Bendels inspiration for the brand derives from the modern girl living in
New York. The modern Bendel girl is young, chic, playful, and completely
fashionable. “Having registered his own trademark in 1895,he created the now legendary brown and white striped box shopping bag and hatbox”.
The main signature that differentiates Henri Bendel today from any other luxury
handbag is still the brown and white stripes on any product, gift box, and
shopping bag. The price ranges of the handbags range from $190 to $500. The
fabrics used on the handbags are all Italian fabrics that give it its soft
luxurious touch. Some of the bags are quilted with leather and have custom
hardware and satin lining. All of the bags at least contain the brown and white
stripes and bright playful colors that represent the brand. The accessories range
from a low $20 to a high $250 all with different colors and artwork on each of
the products. Home accessories range from $11 to $150 that includes office
supplies or beautifully painted mugs full of playful colors.
Henri
Bendels top three competitors are Barneys New York, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf
Goodman. These three large department stores carry a wide range of accessories
that offer a consumer any type of product at any price range. Henri Bendel has
been hardworking and responsible for
many historic fashion events and introducing designers products such as Coco
Chanel, Ralph Lauren, and Diane Von Furstenburg. “Whether you seek the newest Kooba tote or a glamourous leather iPad sleeve, Henri Bendel’s has a selection of merchandise that iscutting-edge and a cut above”.
Links to sources:
http://www.anb.org/articles/17/17-01700.html'
http://www.isjl.org/history/archive/la/lafayette.htm
http://www.newyorkjourney.com/shopping/henri-bendel.htm
http://www.henribendel.com/home-goods/shop_home,default,sc.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/09/business/09stutz.html?_r=0
http://www.henribendel.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-HB-Site/default/GirlsPlayground-Content?cid=bendel-heritage-timeline
http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Henri_Bendel_Inc.b9823a6844bc127e.html
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