Three Key Takeaways:
- Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand As Ever launched with everyday products like honey and raspberry spread, but the high prices – $28 for honey and $14 for spread – sparked criticism, especially from royal fans who questioned the brand’s target audience.
- The product launch, which coincided with Markle’s Netflix show With Love, Meghan, faced backlash for its luxury pricing and claims of “sellouts,” with skeptics suggesting the limited stock was a marketing tactic to create artificial demand.
- Critics noted Markle’s struggle with relatability, with some viewing her as unlikable and her luxury brand image making it difficult for her to connect with everyday consumers, although she still has a loyal fan base supporting her ventures.
Meghan Markle continues to try to build her brand after leaving the royal family.
But her latest venture has royal watchers shaking their heads.
And Meghan Markle hit royal fans with this jaw-dropping price tag that left them speechless.
Meghan Markle’s latest business venture raises eyebrows
Meghan Markle launched her lifestyle brand “As Ever” with much fanfare, and according to the Duchess of Sussex, the first product drop sold out in under an hour.
“Our shelves may be empty, but my heart is full! We sold out in less than one hour and I can’t thank you enough. . . for celebrating, purchasing, sharing, and believing,” Markle wrote on Instagram.
The Duchess’ first product line included everyday items like honey, tea, and a raspberry spread – but with price tags that had many questioning who exactly Markle thinks her audience is.
The jar of honey was priced at a whopping $28, while the raspberry spread in “keepsake packaging” sold for $14 – prices that would make even the most dedicated royal fan think twice before clicking “add to cart.”
“You paid $14 for ‘spread’ that costs 3-4 bucks at any local grocery store,” one social media user pointed out. “So funny watching the squad lose all their money to a narcissist and sociopath. It’s richly deserved!”
The timing of Markle’s product launch coincided with her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, which premiered on March 4 and features the Duchess sharing cooking and hosting tips.
Critics question Meghan’s authenticity and relatability
The former Suits actress has been fighting an uphill battle with viewers who find her difficult to relate to – a problem that her $28 honey isn’t helping to solve.
Crisis communications expert Doug Eldridge told Fox News Digital that Markle faces a significant challenge with audiences who already view her as “unlikable.”
“Many people, whether rightly or wrongly, viewed Markle as unlikable, and that’s an incredibly high hurdle to clear if you’re trying to launch a brand and sell a show,” Eldridge explained to Fox News Digital.
“Relatability is a key factor in developing likability, both of which are needed for marketability,” he continued. “If the audience thinks she comes off as more tactical than transparent, the scaffolding will crumble quickly.”
This disconnect between Markle’s luxury lifestyle and the everyday consumer has become increasingly apparent with the launch of her overpriced grocery items.
Skeptics question sellout claims
Many on social media were quick to question Markle’s claims about the product line selling out, suggesting that limited inventory could create an artificial appearance of high demand.
“She never sold out. . . she had limited quantity to begin with. . . a very old marketing strategy,” one user commented.
“Definitely cheaper than I thought but still WAY overpriced-and like I suspected-sold out. That means nothing, just scarcity marketing,” another added. “And as I mentioned before it’s easy to sell out when you don’t have that much in stock.”
Some critics went even further in their assessment of Markle’s business tactics.
“People who are buying these products from her really need a mental check up,” another social media user bluntly stated.
The limited quantities strategy was clearly noted by the brand itself, which stated “Limited quantities for each seasonal drop” in its announcement.
This approach allows Markle to claim a “sellout” regardless of how many units were actually produced – a savvy marketing tactic, but one that has left critics questioning her transparency.
Despite the skepticism, Markle has her supporters. Some fans praised the product line and expressed disappointment at not being able to purchase items before they sold out.
“I’ll wait for the restock,” one follower wrote, while another suggested ideas for future products: “How cute would it be if the jam came in a little parfait glass?”
Other fans were more enthusiastic in their support.
“Love this and the accessible pricing too,” one user commented, while another simply wrote, “Delighted for her.”
Former royal photographer Ian Pelham Turner expressed confidence in Markle’s future success, telling Fox News Digital, “I feel given a time and space, she will shine with the show. It is very good filming and a lot of very well-put-together cuisine options.”
As Markle continues to build her brand empire away from royal life, the question remains whether she can overcome the relatability challenge when selling everyday items at luxury prices.
