“It is our expectation that this year’s promotion will be even more successful given the improved space and visibility we have.” | |
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Clockwise from top: Persol, Killer Loop, Arnette and DKNY models | |
ITALY. Sunglasses giant Luxottica Group, renowned for its world-leading Ray-Ban brand, has reported continued growth in the Asia Pacific market with a number of leading retailers.
The company displayed its portfolio of brands, including Bvlgari, Ferragamo, Prada and Versace, at the recent TFWA Asia Pacific exhibition in Singapore, and presented its latest brands, Donna Karan and DKNY to the region for the first time. The company reported that Asia is a strong market for these core brands and it sees “enormous” growth potential in the region.
The latest big opening for the company in the region is at the DFS Okinawa megastore, where its Bvlgari, Ferragamo, Prada and Ray-Ban brands are showcased. Luxottica reported “magnificent” sales increases through the DFS stores in the region and said it was delighted with the latest opening and the opportunities offered.
Sales have been outstanding at Tokyo Narita Airport, also through DFS. The whole area has been remodelled and a back wall has been dedicated to sunglasses. Luxottica, with its high-end brands, is the dominant group and Luxottica’s duty free manager Martha Rosas noted that Prada and Prada Sport were performing particularly well.
During the months of June and July, Luxottica is carrying out a Ray-Ban promotion with Nuance Watson Hong Kong. An area in the main store near to the entrance has been dedicated to Ray-Ban. A personalised column, featuring the current Ray-Ban advertising campaign and a Honda F1 gwp offer, is highly visible. Luxottica ran a similar promotion last year, with a slightly smaller space and sales increased by 30%. “It is our expectation that this year’s promotion will be even more successful given the improved space and visibility we have,” added Rosas.
Elsewhere in the store, Luxottica has a back wall space with Ray-Ban, Prada and Versace. Commenting on the area, Rosas said: “Less than two years ago changes were made to the accessories area and this wonderful space was created, which is a great development for the sunglasses category.”
“At Bangkok Airport, our presence has truly multiplied. We are genuinely pleased with their performance due to their enthusiasm and repeated co-operation.” | |
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Clockwise from top: Ray-Ban, Versace Versus, Vogue and Versace models | |
Luxottica has been working with Nuance Watson since 2001 and said that the professionalism and dedication of its team was evident in the quality of its retail offer. “The team is innovative and not afraid to try new things once they are convinced of the merits,” added Rosas.
Luxottica is also present in Thailand with King Power Group at Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, and is looking ahead to a new airport planned for 2006. “We have seen a steady and healthy growth with the group since commencing business with them in 2001. Specifically so in Bangkok Airport, where our presence has truly multiplied. We are genuinely pleased with their performance due to their enthusiasm and repeated co-operation. They simply are a professional team to collaborate with,” said Rosas. “Denny Hui, the Import Merchandising Manager heading this team, is very knowledgeable in the realm of sunglasses. He has allocated specific spaces to the category and it has proved fruitful for both companies, for sales and exposure have been on a steady rise.
“Bangkok is a very important location and thus a very dynamic airport. There is a great surge of energy felt as you walk through its corridors due to the great variety and nationality of passengers present. It is undoubtedly a tourist destination and a business one as well, and I am confident that a new airport will only encourage growth potential,” said Rosas.
Earlier this year Luxottica also started working with King Power Hong Kong. Ray-Ban is currently listed in the three locations: Macao, Lo Wu and Hunghom, and the company sees strong potential for growth there.
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