dispatches from the new world of work

Harley-Davidson High Heels?

Apparently Tom and I have been reading the same issue of Business2.0. On the final page there's a feature called Hits and Misses, and one of the 'hits' is a small bit on how Harley-Davidson is actively reaching out to women in its marketing, even licensing its name to a maker of women's shoes. Women now purchase 10 percent of Harley products, "up by about a quarter since 2002."

Erik Hansen posted this on 02/23/05.

Comments

Harley Davidson shoes are very stylish - Nordstrom and Zappos online have the best selections.

Posted by John at February 23, 2005 8:35 PM

I'm happy that H-D survived. But can H-D and Nordstrom's really mix? Aren't they getting away from Easyrider the movie and Easyriders the mag? How long can they last after the licensing goes too main stream? Are they counting on licesing to be profitable? I guess I don't get it, my co-workers spend tons of cash at the Chicago H-D store.

Posted by jd at February 23, 2005 9:32 PM

Hmmm. Very interesting that they placed the "Women and Motorcycles" section under the 'Experience' tab. I had to go to the site map to find it which made me wonder how much they truly want to welcome women. It wasn't an easy reach.

Still, a very nice layout with interesting content. But here is what I think totally rocks: the H-D Events. There is a calendar of current and upcoming events all across the country. Very, very cool. If a woman wants a motorcycle, chances are she will want to find the nearest hive of riders to hang with. H-D made it relatively easy. Good for them and I hope the sales continue.

I find Harleys to be very hot. If I had the money, I'd own one. I love that sound. ;-)

Posted by M.R. Maguire at February 24, 2005 12:47 AM

Why would I buy HD shoes? Surely I buy shoes from people who know shoes? This, to me, is where branding goes wierd and I am sure that people are going to reply about lifestyle and emotional attachement to HD etc but I just think the world has gone mad at this point.

I have respect for the bikes - despite the fact they don't go round corners! (sorry European bias) and admire the cult following they have developed

I am seeing this more and more - some designers name attached to products they know nothing about - it's probably successful and lucrative but it's so false and for me it turns me right off the brand

Posted by PaulH at February 24, 2005 9:34 AM

PaulH, et. al - HD has hats too - here in Albuquerque they are western style - mainly black. The HD shoes are cool looking and people comment very positively on them and their HD logo.

Posted by John at February 24, 2005 10:57 AM