Dive Brief:
- Joining its sister brands in app releases, Williams Sonoma and Williams Sonoma Home have launched a new mobile iOS app, according to a Tuesday announcement.
- The new app features Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen recipes, how-to videos, smart grocery lists, a registry service, shoppable content and curated interior design ideas, per the press release.
- Customers can also book virtual or in-person appointments with design experts and receive notifications about in-store events and available inventory, the company said.
Dive Insight:
Parent company Williams-Sonoma continues to build its roster of digital apps for its subsidiary brands. Alongside Williams Sonoma and Williams Sonoma Home, the company introduced mobile apps for West Elm and Pottery Barn in recent months. Similarly to the new app, Pottery Barn and West Elm’s apps also allow customers to create online registries and connect with design associates.
“The Williams Sonoma app is designed to inspire our customers and help them discover new products while shopping through an enhanced mobile experience,” Williams Sonoma President Felix Carbullido said in a statement. “By also providing elevated registry services, design help and account management tools, the new app is able to replicate several of our in-store customer service experiences for our online and mobile customers.”
In its Q4 earnings, Williams-Sonoma reported that its Pottery Barn brand saw a 9.6% decline in net revenue to $874 million, and Pottery Barn Kids and Teen’s net revenue dipped 2.5% to $311 million. West Elm’s Q4 net revenue dropped the most year over year at 15.3% to $453 million. However, Williams Sonoma’s year over year revenues remained flat at $524 million. For the fiscal year, net revenues for the overall company were down 10.6% year over year to $7.7 billion.
Looking ahead to fiscal year 2024, the company forecast net revenue to either grow or decline by about 3%.
“We outperformed in 2023 despite the slowest housing market in several decades and geopolitical unrest,” Laura Alber, Williams-Sonoma president and CEO, said regarding the company’s latest earnings. “Although this pressured our top-line trend, we stayed focused on full-price selling, supply chain efficiencies, and best-in-class customer service. We have transformed our business model, and as a result, we delivered an operating margin well ahead of our pre-pandemic profitability.”
