“Folli Follie is about affordable luxury, combining fashion and quality; it’s trendy and affordable. We think this sector will grow in popularity in travel retail,” says new business development director Johnnie Voutsas |
GREECE. Folli Follie is targeting the “affordable luxury” sector with its range of stainless steel jewellery, watches and accessories.
“Folli Follie is about affordable luxury, combining fashion and quality; it’s trendy and affordable. We think this sector will grow in popularity in travel retail,” says new business development director Johnnie Voutsas.
The company recently revamped its image using sexy, black-and-white photography by top fashion snapper Michel Comte.
Some 15% of its business is in the travel retail sector, which has grown over 25% since last year.
Voutsas says the company’s Italian leather handbags are doing good business at London Heathrow Airport, where Folli Follie has a stand-alone store in terminal three to capture the Japanese spend. Japan is the firm’s number one market after Greece. Japanese travellers go for the delicate, novelty pieces such as the triple ring and clover ring. They favour heart, clover and cross designs.
Folli Follie has gained inflight listings with BA from November, as well as Swiss, KLM and Korean Air, with its cross-themed bracelet. The item retails at £102 (US$193) and comes in gift packaging specially created for airlines.
Cathay Pacific is carrying a watch set for gift-givers comprising a watch with two extra straps. Emirates is selling the popular chrono watch.
The new Stavros (meaning cross in Greek) watch collection comes with rubber or metal straps. Prices for Folli Follie watches range from £70 (US$132) to £300(US$567).
The company is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange and has a 25% stake in Hellenic Duty Free – “demonstrating our commitment to the travel retail channel,” says company spokeswoman Chryssoula Armstrong.
For more details, contact Folli Follie at 23 d Kilometer, Athens – Lamia National Highway, Athens 14565, Greece; tel: +30 210 624 1000; fax: +30 210 624 1100; email: jvoutsas@follifollie.gr; website: www.follifollie.com.
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