Meghan Markle’s foray into lifestyle branding with American Riviera Orchard has sparked concerns of financial desperation, according to a PR specialist. The Duchess of Sussex, who undertook a soft launch of her brand in March with plans to retail a variety of products including foodstuff, home wares, and pet nutrition, has yet to dazzle with an official business launch.
PR and branding connoisseur Matt Yanofsky expressed significant reservations about the venture’s trajectory, admitting he’d be seeking to withdraw his investment. He said: “I have been wrong before, but I would say as of right now it is difficult.”
He further speculated on the potential success routes the brand could take: “Maybe one of the products will be a hit, or maybe she will team up with the right manufacturer or right company.”
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His outlook remained sceptical: “But outside looking in right now, it looks like people who are panicking to try and make money back.”, reports the Express.
Despite the odds, he maintained a watchful optimism: “I’d be surprised if it succeeded, but all power to them. I hope it does.”
Mr Yanofsky also questioned whether Markle’s fan base was substantial enough to buoy the fledgling enterprise, adding, “It all comes down to this – is the base of fans for Meghan big enough to support this?” Investors, he warned, should be apprehensive: “Can it catch up with what it should be by the time the money runs out?”
Nonetheless, he concluded, “Anything is possible, but as of right now, if I were an investor, I would be worried about how I would get my money out.”
“They are pretending they have a brand. Maybe it becomes one through the back door, but right now it is ominous if you are trying to make money.”
The Sussex’s were contacted for a statement but opted not to respond. Meghan has faced challenges lately as she moves forward with her plans to officially launch her brand.
American Riviera Orchard is caught in a trademark tangle following the queries by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) over the styling of a letter in its logo. The office has additionally cautioned that geographical locations cannot be subject to trademarks.