creating a compelling case on the future of luxury retail

Insights at the Intersection of Creativity & Commerce

Our Insights page is designed to keep clients, peers, and students of luxury retail ahead of the curve. Articles draw from real-world practice and industry shifts — blending thought leadership with practical application.

douglas mandel douglas mandel

From Alberta to Avenue Montaigne: My Life in Luxury Retail

I didn’t grow up in Paris, Milan, or New York. I grew up in Alberta, where winters were long, skiing was serious, and fashion meant parkas and hockey gear. Somehow, that journey led me from my father’s small tailor shop to Avenue Montaigne with Dior.

A love for craft, a willingness to reinvent, and the belief that retail is about people, place, and presence carried me there. This is the story of reinvention, resilience, and why the details matter.

Read More
douglas mandel douglas mandel

Luxury That Connects: A 10+ Week Journey Through Stories, Strategy & Service

There’s a certain beauty in looking back—not to stay in the past, but to gather wisdom from the journey.

This autumn, I'm sharing a series of personal stories drawn from two decades in the luxury retail world—from London to Moscow, Selfridges to Dior, flagship openings to private client dinners in Paris, and even a fashion show on Red Square.

These are not just memories. They are lessons in brand, people, and performance—the same principles I use today as a consultant for brands navigating the complex realities of global retail and modern luxury.

Read More
douglas mandel douglas mandel

Luxury Lesson: Know Where Your Brand Is Going

The Clear View Strategy

“The secret is to remain true to your aesthetic vision, so that people can see that you really believe passionately in what you are doing.”
— Giorgio Armani https://www.azquotes.com/quote/1279006

Today, September 4, 2025, the luxury world has lost one of its true masters—Giorgio Armani. Alone among design titans, he remained the sole majority owner of his brand. He never sold to conglomerates; he stayed the course of his vision, guiding his house not by fleeting trends, but by unwavering purpose. His legacy embodies what I call The Clear View Strategy: the powerful clarity that lets you know not just who you are, but where you’re going and why.

Read More