This blog discovers how the infamous MSCHF have deployed unique marketing strategies to become a global fashion powerhouse whilst breaking the traditional mold of advertising.
In 2016, Gabriel Whaley launched MSCHF as a product studio, effectively an agency providing complementary apps for brands. Fast forward to 2019 and MSCHF finished their agency work to prioritize their own products.
These were the following:
- Specially designed Air Max 97’ shoes which were sold within a minute for $2499!
- MSCHF Box- cost $100 dollars but could hold value up to $7,000! If a customer held the box for $100 days they could return it for $1000
- An anti-advertising app- paid influencers to hate on popular brands!
- Invite only app- funded at around $200 million… its purpose was to notify users when someone had pressed a red button!
- Lastly, sued by Nike for releasing shoes with Lil Nas X for releasing shoes with real human blood!
So how did this company find success in almost all of their works?
We boiled it down to these reasons:
Product Drops: Mastering the Art of Hype and Exclusivity
MSCHF has revolutionized product introductions with its revolutionary drop approach. Unlike standard retail strategies that rely on seasonal releases, MSCHF offers limited amounts of their distinctive products at unanticipated intervals. This unpredictability, paired with product scarcity, produces a sense of urgency and exclusivity that buyers find enticing. By doing so, MSCHF not only assures that each product drop receives substantial attention, but also builds a loyal fan base eager to participate in the next surprise release. This method has elevated the purchasing experience to the status of an event, with drops frequently selling out in minutes, adding to the brand's attraction and mystique.
Viral Marketing: Harnessing the Power of the Digital Age
MSCHF excels at viral marketing, using social media platforms, memes, and word-of-mouth to generate awareness around their brand and product launches. Their projects frequently include features that can be shared across social networks, allowing them to take use of the digital world to increase visibility. By developing content that is intrinsically shareable, MSCHF capitalizes on the viral nature of online communication, ensuring that news of their releases travels quickly. This method not only broadens their reach, but also fosters a sense of community as people share, discuss, and engage with MSCHF content, cementing the brand's place in the cultural zeitgeist.
Collaborations: Building Bridges and Adding Depth.
Collaborations are a key component of MSCHF's strategy, enabling them to reach new audiences and add layers of significance to their programmes. MSCHF adds cultural, artistic, or social meaning to their products through collaborations with artists, celebrities, and other brands. These collaborations frequently result in highly sought-after objects that appeal to a diverse variety of buyers, from art collectors to pop culture fans. The careful selection of collaborators ensures that each initiative speaks to different portions of their audience, establishing a diverse and inclusive community around the brand.
Engagement Through Controversy: Sparking Conversation and Debate.
Controversy promotes engagement by sparking conversation and debate.
MSCHF is no stranger to controversy, frequently including challenging themes and social criticism into its pieces. This deliberate engagement with contentious issues aims to elicit debate and conversation, giving attention to the brand and its core ideas. MSCHF's projects promote thought and dialogue, whether they challenge consumer culture, investigate religious iconography, or address social challenges. This approach not only attracts media attention, but it also promotes MSCHF as a brand that is not hesitant to address tough issues, appealing to a younger, more socially conscious clientele.
Direct-to-Consumer Sales Model: Reinventing Retail
MSCHF's approach is around its direct-to-consumer sales technique. MSCHF skips traditional retail channels by selling products only through their app and website, giving them complete control over the consumer experience and brand story. This direct contact with customers not only increases the sense of exclusivity and community, but it also allows MSCHF to collect crucial data about their target audience. The direct-to-consumer strategy encourages a more flexible and responsive approach to product releases, allowing MSCHF to innovate and react to changing consumer tastes and trends.
Conclusion
In summary, MSCHF's marketing methods, which range from surprising product drops and viral marketing campaigns to strategic collaborations, involvement with controversy, and a direct sales approach, work together to create a brand that is both enigmatic and intriguing. MSCHF has captured the attention of consumers worldwide by eschewing traditional marketing and retail approaches in favor of a model that prioritizes creativity, exclusivity, and direct engagement.
