What's next for Ralph Lauren?

New York

FOR the first time in its 48-year history, Ralph Lauren's fashion empire has new leadership. Stefan Larsson inherits a label with rich heritage and global name recognition. But it's also one that's grown a bit stodgy and stale.

Ralph Lauren's had a rough year. Shares had dropped 44 per cent this year before Mr Lauren announced on Tuesday that he was stepping down as CEO from the company he founded. Comparable sales fell 2 per cent last quarter, worse than analysts had anticipated, while sales through wholesale channels slumped 6 per cent. The anaemic results left investors spooked and yearning for change.