BMW's flagship dealer dresses down for 2020 - AM

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 12:59 AM PST

BMW's company-owned UK dealer group, BMW Park Lane, is dressing down for 2020.

It has adopted a new dress code policy from January 1 to try to make a more relaxed impression on customers.

"We've ditched the tie, introduced optional blazer or sports jackets and generally made our whole approach less formal and more business casual," Bellal Abbas, group customer experience manager, stated on LinkedIn.

"This may not be huge news for many but this is significant change for the sales teams here as it's the first change of its kind in over 20 years."

BMW Park Lane handles much of the brand's diplomatic sales, corporate sales and VIP customers.

Abbas said the change will be driven throughout the business.

Staff at some other BMW franchisees hope the more relaxed attitude shown by BMW Group UK's flagship London dealership will spread out across the network in future.

"Let's hope the dealer network takes notice of this shift in mentality," said one business manager.

Another added: "This is fantastic news and hopefully a move that will filter through the network."

One said his dealership has had a sports club casual dress code for years and staff feel comfortable and confident while customers feel relaxed in less formal surroundings.

But consultant Daniel Fenwick challenged on LinkedIn that automotive business leaders must tackle the bigger challenges as a priority.

"I agree in marginal gains. But in an industry that's been declining steadily in the face of huge challenges and has the biggest one to come yet in Brexit, is losing ties really enough to make a difference?

"Innovation for automotive companies has been severely lacking. Transparent pricing, dealership experience, sales processes and skill sets of sales executives haven't shifted in about 30 years," said Fenwick.

Lilly Pulitzer’s After Party Sale Has Everything for Your Wedding Events - The Knot News

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 09:22 AM PST

It may be winter, but we've never been more focused on summer. Popular resort wear brand Lilly Pulitzer is having its much-anticipated After Party sale. A number of items will be massively discounted in honor of the new year. (Psst: This is one of the only times Lilly Pulitzer sales happen annually.) Whether you're a to-be-wed, a member of a wedding party or a guest, this event has everything you need to prep for your upcoming beach weddings and related events.

When the sale begins January 6, shoppers will join a virtual waitlist before accessing all of the amazing deals. It includes a variety of items (blouses, shirts, pants and shorts), but we're most excited about the rompers and dresses on sale. With the major discounts, you'll be able to score your next wedding outfit or a fun bachelorette party dress for a fraction of its original price.

Hoping to skip the online waitlist? Customers can get a jump start on shopping by going into stores. Lilly Pulitzer stores will be begin the sale early this weekend, so shoppers can get discounts on January 4 and 5. But if you've found the perfect dress for your next oceanside celebration, be sure to call ahead. Not all items online will be available in retail stores.

If you don't see anything that catches your eye immediately, don't lose hope on finding that perfect wedding outfit. Be sure to check back, as the retailer will be adding new products during the sale. To help you get a head start, we've rounded up some of our favorite Lilly Pulitzer dresses that will be on sale, below.

Remember: The sale officially starts Monday, January 6 at 8 a.m. EST.