Meghan Markle's latest Netflix twist will 'make or break' the duchess' brand
Meghan Markle's lifestyle products, sold under the name American Riviera Orchard, will at first be sold at the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia and the Dallas Galleria
Meghan Markle's lifestyle products, sold under the name American Riviera Orchard, will at first be sold at the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia and the Dallas GalleriaNetflix has engineered Meghan Markle's last-ditch attempt to save her brand (
Image: PA)
Meghan Markle is set to finally release her jams and honeys in a move which believed to "make or break" her entrepreneurial ambitions.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, unveiled the American Riviera Orchard brand around one year ago to huge fanfare. She since hit snags, including initially having her US trademark application rejected.
But now the luxury lifestyle products will finally be on sale - at stores in two large shopping centres in the US, the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia and the Dallas Galleria. The stores in which her jams, honeys, wallpaper, pet shampoo and other items will be sold are owned by Netflix, with whom Harry and Meghan have a lucrative contract.
Sources say the success or failure of her products in the Netflix House superstores will "make or break" Meghan's entrepreneurial ambitions. She's had designs on a new brand for some time, since she and Harry admitted their "professional split" as they had "reached a crossroads".
Meghan is currently at the Invictus Games with her husband Prince Harry (
Image:
PA)
The move is timely - because the star's next - and potentially last - Netflix show With Love, Meghan starts on the streaming service on March 4. It sees the former actress offer tips on how to entertain - but Prince Harry is "barely mentioned".
The source told Mail Online: "This is make or break for Meghan. Her new show is rolling out the same time as the Netflix stores open... This is a big move for Netflix. The first stores are in repurposed department stores inside two of America's largest malls... This will determine the future for Meghan as a businesswoman. Let's face it, she hasn't been that successful so far."
Jams and honeys will be on the menu at the department store's cafés, it is understood. The units, themselves, meanwhile will also feature merchandise from Meghan's biggest shows, like Stranger Things.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, will finally launch her lifestyle products brand (
Image:
PA)
But the pressure is on the mother of two as her $20 (£16) million Spotify podcast series was cancelled with Spotify executive Bill Simmons describing Meghan and husband Prince Harry as "grifters."
And the couple's $100 (£80) million five-year Netflix deal expires later this year and insiders believe it will not be renewed. The source added: "If Meghan's show is a massive hit and she sells tons of products off the back of it then maybe Netflix will reconsider but at this stage it's all about them supporting her show and then quietly letting the contract run its course."
The streaming giant hopes to eventually open Netflix House stores coast-to-coast. On the website, it says: "Netflix House is a year-round home for fans to live the stories they love. Enjoy rotating immersive experiences, exclusive merchandise, food, drinks and much more."