Gagosian Gallery and Leica Boutique

[sanyasi]

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I was in NYC this past week. Walking on Madison Avenue, I passed the Gagosian Gallery branch next to the Christie's Auction House. Not a place I would normally stop in, but when I saw the Leica Red Dot on the door I had to see what that was all about. Turns out the Gagosian Gallery gift shop (books, posters, and some prints) is now a Leica boutique.

 

In my view, this does not bode well for the direction of the Leica brand. I would be very surprised if the sales people I saw would be able to demonstrate an M, or discuss it. But that does not seem to be the point. This looked like an effort to market to an audience that wants luxury watches, pens, and now cameras. On the one hand, that is good. The more cameras sold, the better for Leica's financial health. On the other hand, if selling luxury becomes Leica's primary focus, the serious users who like Leica as the best tool for the job could find Leica not as focused on their needs. For my money, I'd prefer to see Leica beef up its service department in New Jersey rather than outfitting a brand awareness store on Madison Avenue.

At the end of the day, the camera nuts tend to be loyal to a brand for decades, but luxury buyers often have their head turned by the latest fashion. Is Leica having its 15 minutes of (fleeting) fame?

[pico]

Perhaps the case is not binary. Leica can provide both a very good professional camera, and attractive, spendy boutique items.

 

Who in the world can resist things like this:

Shop - Leica - X2 Gagosian Edition Camera - Gagosian Gallery

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[sanyasi]

 

Who in the world can resist things like this:

Shop - Leica - X2 Gagosian Edition Camera - Gagosian Gallery

 

Me.

[pico]

Me.

 

Me, too. I was being facetious.

.

[sanyasi]

I know. Based on your prior posts I know you are not the target market for that camera or any of the other designer ones.

[pico]

I know. Based on your prior posts I know you are not the target market for that camera or any of the other designer ones.

 

 

Yer darn right. Ever seen Ostrich skin appliqué on a Leica? I laugh like mad at that because it looks like the camera has terminal herpes. I guess ya gotta have a medical background to appreciate.

 

Next, genuine leper skin.

[pgk]

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Who in the world can resist things like this:

Approx 6 billion minus one hundred I suppose. As long as it keeps Leica building cameras I really don't care.

[stuny]

Jack -

 

I wish I knew you were in town so we could have met.

[sanyasi]

Next time I am in NYC, I will give you advanced notice. My wife's mother lives there, so we get to town at least once or twice a year. Looking forward to meeting you in person.

 

Best

 

Jack