The Arcadia Crisis Postmortem

This chapter discusses the state of the field of fashion crisis, focusing on the downfall of UK Fashion Retail Group, Arcadia. This case critique offers an insight into the undeveloped area of fashion industry and crisis communication. The chapter presents an opportunity to dissect the internal and external crisis suffered by what was once a group perceived to be the heart of the British High Street. Based on earlier findings of a systematic literature review, the field of fashion and crisis is severely neglected, lacks convergence of theory in what is considered a highly crisis prone industry. The chapter considers the concept of value co-creation as a mediating factor of fashion crisis and supports the need for development of theory. The notion of value co-creation could be adapted in practical situations to prevent crisis or maintain reputation during and post crisis by building relationships with consumers directly and indirectly, understanding issues and impact of crisis and creating a bond between the consumers as stakeholders and organizations. Emerging from previous research and discussions lies an opportunity to adapt crisis related theory specific to the industry and will use an approach of hindsight to apply the model of Stakeholder Relationship Management (SRM) adding a layer of 'value-co creation' (SRM-VALCO). Findings from this chapter propose retrospective recommendations based on the lessons learned too late from the Arcadia group and how other retailers prone to crisis can utilize value co-creation in times of crisis.