Retail News CRM

Category: Fashion

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Fashion news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • LVMH invests into Stadium Goods

    LVMH invests into Stadium Goods

    LVMH, the parent company of brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior and CÉLINE, announced plans for its Luxury Ventures initiative in 2017 with the aim of acquiring minority stakes in emerging luxury brands.

    The latest brand to get backing from the programme is New York’s Stadium Goods.

    As far as streetwear connoisseurs are concerned, New York City’s Stadium Goods is the pinnacle in the sneaker world.

    Details on what role LVMH Luxury Ventures will take in the reseller are unclear, although it is rumored that this backing could allow Stadium Goods to expand. The store — which is the location for most Sneaker Shopping episodes — has been open for just over two years and the team behind have previously said about potential plans to move into merch and open a second physical location.

    Back in 2017, prior to LVMH’s backing, Stadium Goods raised $4.6 million USD in equity funding and was predicted to gross more than $100 million USD in 2017.

  • Shiseido celebrates the re-launch of Clé de Peau Beauté

    Shiseido celebrates the re-launch of Clé de Peau Beauté

    Shiseido Travel Retail has celebrated the relaunch of luxury brand, Clé de Peau Beauté with ‘A Radiant Day’ campaign, fronted by new global Ambassador – Academy Award-Nominated British actress, Felicity Jones.

    The campaign coincides with the introduction of Clé de Peau Beauté’s beauty products to its current travel retail offering. Clé de Peau Beauté has remained a top performing brand for Shiseido Travel Retail, up +120% on FY2017 and representing around 25% of total sales globally, according to the company.

    Asia Pacific and Chinese travellers a key growth driver for the brand. The re-launch will be promoted via an extensive strategic marketing campaign, with premium out-of-home advertising across Hong Kong International Airport already under way.

    A new flagship counter design will also be unveiled in April at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons, providing more engaging and meaningful shopping experiences for Clé de Peau Beauté customers. The aim is to roll out the new design across all travel retail counters in the second half of 2018.

    LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 17: A general view of atmosphere at Cle de Peau Beaute Celebrates the Brand Relaunch with a Global Event in Los Angeles, hosted by Global Brand Face Felicity Jones at Hotel Bel-Air on January 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Shiseido)

    REVITALISED DNA

    With a revitalised brand DNA, “Intelligent, Uncompromising, Exquisite”, and a refreshed new tag line, “Unlock the Power of Your Radiance”, Clé de Peau Beauté has set its sights on becoming a global, luxury brand by 2020.

    Establishing a suite of new universal values – integrity, balance and authenticity, the brand’s newly appointed brand ambassador, Jones, reflects these seamlessly, the company said. Clé de Peau Beauté Chief Brand Officer Yukari Suzuki indicated a crucial element of Clé de Peau Beauté was to help customers feel the brand belonged in their lives.


    Lip Gloss - Dreamstone (High-res)NEW SS18 PRODUCTS

    The relaunch also introduces various new luxury SS18 products to Clé de Peau Beauté’s current travel retail offering. These include the Firming Serum Supreme, a clinically proven formula to unlock a new dimension of skin firmness, Radiant Lip Gloss (pictured left) a new and improved version of the brand’s original lip gloss; three new shades of Lipstick including Peach Stone, Crystal Star and Desert Rose; a new shade of Luminising Face Enhancer in lavender inspired by the spiral of a luminescent seashell; and a new take on its stick Concealer with new skincare ingredients for radiant skin.

    There is also focus on La Créme, a product Shiseido said continued to stand at the pinnacle of Clé de Peau Beauté skincare.

    ‘A Radiant Day’ has already achieved success following the official event launch with Jones, last month at The Beverly Hills Hotel in LA, along with new counter openings in MGM Macau, MGM Cotai and T Galleria by DFS Singapore.

    EXCITING TIME

    Shiseido Travel Retail Vice-President Marketing Elisabeth Jouguelet commented: “This is an exciting time for Clé de Peau Beauté as we look to establish the brand as a true market leader in luxury beauty.

    “The relaunch provides an opportunity for us to enhance the brand’s travel retail offering and solidify its position in the market as a prestigious, but accessible brand. All the elements of the relaunch, from taking on Felicity Jones as our global ambassador, to opening flagship stores in Asia Pacific, are part of a long-term strategy to draw our consumers in further; to offer them memorable, luxury experiences beyond the traditional sense of retail. We are looking forward to a new era for Clé de Peau Beauté.”

    Lees ook:

  • Asia boosts growth for L’Oreal

    Asia boosts growth for L’Oreal

    French cosmetics giant L’Oreal reports “spectacular” growth for last year, particularly in Asia.

    It had growth acceleration of 5.5 per cent in the fourth quarter with sales exceeding €10 billion (US$12.2 billion) in the ‘new markets’, which include Asia Pacific.

    Operating margin reached a record 18 per cent.

    Sales were €26 billion, up 4.8 per cent like-for-like, 2 per cent at constant exchange rates and 0.7 per cent on reported figures.

    Representing a record 18 per cent of sales, the operating profit was €4.68 billion.

    “L’Oreal had a good year with sustained sales growth momentum and robust profits,” says chairman/CEO Jean-Paul Agon.

    The second half accelerated compared with the first, particularly in the fourth quarter.

    Sales grew in all divisions, especially L’Oreal Luxe in Asia. The Active Cosmetics Division achieved more than €2 billion of sales for the first time.

    The new markets exceeded more than €10 billion in sales for the first time ever. The Asia Pacific zone had growth of 12.3 per cent like-for-like and 9.2 per cent reported. In Northern Asia, Chinese consumers are driving growth, particularly for the L’Oreal Luxe Division in China and Hong Kong. China’s growth was fuelled by strong e-commerce results. In Southern Asia, India is proving dynamic, while Malaysia and Thailand are also growing strongly.

    Overall, operating profit, at €4.6 billion, has grown by 3 per cent and amounts to 18 per cent of sales, representing an increase of 40 basis points. Excluding exchange rates, operating profit grew by 4.4 per cent.

  • Ril Creed launches in Hong Kong

    Ril Creed launches in Hong Kong

    RIL CREED’s collection of sustainable and ethical Japanese handbags opens its first flagship boutique in Hong Kong.

    Launched in 2012 in Japan and 2014 in Hong Kong, The Japanese handbag label RIL CREED is designed by Hanada Kazue, a seasoned designer who has been the design chief at the coveted Kitson Japan.

    With over two decades of experience, Kazue’s designs are made for the modern working women on the go. Using only fine genuine leather, with on-trend colours and versatile designs, each of RIL CREED’s handbags are made for every smart-casual occasion.

    Made to empower every modern women, each RIL CREED handbag is designed in Tokyo and handmade by artisans with age old craftsmanship. With a vision to revolutionize the handbag industry by using sustainable, upcycled materials and encouraging women to see beyond luxury items, RIL CREED redefines handbags as a tool to collect experiences and a companion in women’s journey to change the world.

    RIL CREED’s latest collection is inspired by owls, a spirited animal that symbolizes a deep connection, intuition, and wisdom of the soul. It represents change, transformation, and clarity. The brand aims to empower women through efforts to use sustainable materials and offcuts from factories. This season, upcycled sheepskin, faux fur and suede has been transformed into clean, elegant and effortless designs.

    Born in the 1970s, Hanada Kazue is Chief Designer of one of Japan’s most sought-after handbag brands, RIL CREED. Previously the design chief at Kitson Japan, Hanada has a deep understanding of what a woman needs when it comes to handbags. She has designed some of the bestsellers for the JAYRO, Kitson and Julia Parker labels, and brings to RIL CREED her renowned expertise.

    A seasoned handbag designer with over 20 years of experience, Hanada has created a beautiful, smart-casual collection for RIL CREED using only the finest genuine leather and horsetail in a variety of on-season, contemporary colours.

    These fashionable and practical designs from Hanada have been extremely popular amongst professional women in Japan and California, and have now set pulses racing amongst Hong Kong’s fashionistas.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Macy’s New Verona Collection Includes Hijabs

    Macy’s New Verona Collection Includes Hijabs

    Macy’s has launched what it describes as a “modest clothing brand” – the Verona Collection – targeting Muslims and women seeking conservative styling.

    The brand was founded by Lisa Vogl and finds its way onto Macy’s online store this month after Vogl graduated from the US department store’s incubator program The Workshop at Macy’s.

    “Verona Collection is more than a clothing brand. It’s a platform for a community of women to express their personal identity and embrace fashion that makes them feel confident on the inside and outside,” said Vogl. “Macy’s has been an amazing partner, helping us strengthen the foundation of our business through The Workshop at Macy’s and now introducing our brand to their consumers through this collaboration.”

    The Verona Collection will feature a curated selection of versatile, ready-to-wear pieces including dresses, tops, cardigans, pants and hijabs in a variety of colors and fabrics.

    Inspired by Vogl’s personal experience looking for fashionable and modest clothing, the modest clothing brand’s standout pieces include maxi dresses, versatile cardigans and hand-dyed hijabs. Accented with asymmetric buttons, the maxi dress is a modern take on a timeless classic and cardigans come in sleeveless and full sleeve styles for layering-look options. The hijabs are hand-dyed in versatile fabrics making them perfect for any occasion.

    “Through The Workshop at Macy’s, Lisa shared her vision to create a collection that speaks to a community of women looking for a solution to their fashion needs,” said Cassandra Jones, senior VP of Macy’s Fashion. “Verona Collection offers a unique and understated elegance through everyday essentials designed for versatility and comfort, and through our partnership, we can better serve our customer looking for modest fashion.”

    Shawn Outler, Macy’s executive VP– licensed businesses, food services and multicultural initiatives, says The Workshop at Macy’s, founded in 2011, nurtures and supports minority- and women-owned businesses to build their capabilities and become the next generation of retail partners.

    Items in the Verona Collection range in price from $12.95 to $84.95 and go on sale on macys.com from February 15.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Here’s Why Pre-Owned Luxury Fashion Are Growing In Asia

    Here’s Why Pre-Owned Luxury Fashion Are Growing In Asia

    Asia’s pre-owned luxury fashion market is continuing to grow, with shoes and t-shirts gaining ground, according to multichannel retailer Reebonz.

    Although bags continued to dominate, with an average of 77 per cent of total transactions in 2016 and 2017, both shoes and apparel achieved steep sales growth throughout the region, according to Reebonz’s now annual Asia Luxury Index.

    In Hong Kong, for example, sales of used branded sneakers rose 48 per cent last year, while “luxury t-shirt” sales soared six-fold.

    The report is based on Reebonz’s own trading data across Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore, along with unspecified “industry reports”.

    Reebonz says millennials are driving the sector’s growth, “tilting the scales in favour of a pre-owned luxury market that continues its growth trajectory”.

    Chanel, the most-purchased pre-owned brand by millennials, recorded more than double the total sales value on Reebonz last year over 2016.

    The report said the changing perceptions towards pre-owned luxury have altered the state of resale and how consumers shop today, contributing to 40 per cent sales growth in the pre-owned category at Reebonz.

    “The growing demands of buying from the resale market cleverly gives rise to a community of individual sellers, injecting the luxury ecosystem with products that meet these needs,” said Reebonz cofounder Daniel Lim.

    Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Chanel were the three top-selling brands on Reebonz last year, fetching resale values as high as 125 per cent of their original retail price in the secondary market. Gucci, Celine and Dior were also among the top 10.

    Lees ook:

  • Off-White and Jimmy Choo together for Galeries Lafayette

    Off-White and Jimmy Choo together for Galeries Lafayette

    Announced in September 2017 during the spring/summer 2018 shows, the much anticipated “Off White c/o Jimmy Choo” collaboration will be launched globally on 21 February 2018 both online and in store.

    To mark the occasion, the two brands will open a pop-up store in Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann in order to showcase the original collection’s different looks. The space will remain open until 4 March 2018.

    The collection is Jimmy Choo’s first partnership with a ready-to-wear designer for a line of commercial footwear.

    The brand has teamed up with Off-White, headed by fashion prodigy Virgil Abloh, which has previously worked on collaborations with sportswear-inspired brands such as Nike.

    The pieces in the collaboration were inspired by Diana, Princess of Wales, channeling iconic 90’s design while also incorporating details reflecting current trends in order to appeal to the needs and tastes of modern princesses.

    In this spirit, the collection features conceptual shapes, tulle, floral embellishments and gemstones.

    Speaking of the collaboration, Sandra Choi, Jimmy Choo creative director, explained, “To collaborate with a brand like Off-White allows Jimmy Choo to explore a new avenue and take part in a different conversation.

    I love to mix it up by getting together with a different creative mind, identifying our synergies and combining our DNA to create a beautiful and surprising collection with unexpected links to the roots of our brand.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Shandong Ruyi acquired Swiss luxury brand Bally

    Shandong Ruyi acquired Swiss luxury brand Bally

    JAB Holding has sold its controlling stake in Swiss apparel and accessories label Bally to Chinese textile manufacturer Shandong Ruyi Group, as tipped last month.

    JAB, which once owned Belstaff and Jimmy Choo, was said to be seeking US$700 million for Bally in August. The brand was founded in 1851 as a shoemaker.

    “The arrival of Shandong Ruyi Group and its vision will significantly accelerate our growth in key segments and territories as we complete the turnaround of this iconic brand,” says Bally CEO Frederic de Narp.

    JAB says it will retain a minority holding in Bally, while the majority stake will be controlled by Shandong Ruyi Investment Holding. Under the terms of the agreement, Bally’s management team will reinvest alongside Shandong Ruyi.

    Transaction terms have not been disclosed and are subject to closing conditions and customary regulatory approvals.

    As majority shareholder, Shandong Ruyi plans to maintain Bally’s DNA and identity. Part of this plan includes keeping Bally’s headquarters and main factory in Switzerland.

  • Armani Box pop-up makes travel retail debut at Hong Kong Airport

    Armani Box pop-up makes travel retail debut at Hong Kong Airport

    L’Oréal Travel Retail has introduced the Giorgio Armani Box pop-up store to travel retail, at Hong Kong International Airport.

    The Armani Box, in Departures East Hall Level 6 North, was open throughout January. The concept launched in 2017 and has been featuring at domestic locations since.

    Monkeying around: Hong Kong International Airport marks the Armani Box pop-up’s first travel retail location

    The space features red walls and black lighting fixtures and a modern interior, in line with the brand’s DNA. An eye-catching giant red gorilla named Uri, created specially for the pop-up, welcomes guests to the area. The gorilla is a replica of a full-size gorilla statue that resides in Mr Armani’s Milan home.

    The attention grabbing Uri welcomed guests to the pop-up

    For a limited time, customers were encouraged to take a photo with Uri and enjoy a free print-out as a souvenir of their make-up experience.

    The Armani Box invited guests to try out the latest make-up products, such as Ecstasy Shine lipstick. Giorgio Armani Face Designers were also on-hand to provide expert, made-to-measure make-up services.

    Giorgio Armani Face Designers offered travellers personal beauty guidance

    Ecstasy Shine lipstick provides the shine of a gloss, colours like a lip cream and moisturises like a balm

    Limited-edition Uri tote bags and stickers could be redeemed with purchases, along with Giorgio Armani beauty product samples.

    The Armani Box pop-up will open at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on 2 March.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Skechers Q4 global sales jump 27 percent

    Skechers Q4 global sales jump 27 percent

    Shoe retailer Skechers posted a 27 per cent increase in sales in the last quarter, powered by a 40 per cent increase in international wholesale sales, and a strong performance in China.

    “Last year was monumental for Skechers as we achieved sales of more than US$4 billion for the first time in our 25-year history,” said Robert Greenberg, Skechers CEO.

    “This growth is due to our continued focus on efficiencies and infrastructure as well as innovation, comfort, and relevancy within our product design. In the US, we remained the No 1 walking, work, casual lifestyle, and casual dress footwear brand, and the No 2 casual athletic footwear brand.

    “Furthermore, we grew our Skechers store base to 2570 locations at year-end and saw impressive growth across the globe – including record sales on Single’s Day in China,” said Greenberg.

    “As we look ahead, with fresh styles shipping for spring, we believe we will remain a leader in the lifestyle footwear channel in the US, selectively expand our retail footprint, and continue our global growth as we see our international business becoming an increasingly larger piece of our total business.”

    Global annual sales rose $600 million year-on-year to $4.16 billion, “a testament to the worldwide strength and relevance of our product, marketing and brand,” added COO David Weinberg.

    In its own stores, Skechers achieve comparable same-store sales growth of 10.5 per cent in the US market and 16.5 per cent overseas. It added 75 stores during the year, 22 of them in the last quarter.

    While the company reported a net loss of $66.7 million for the last quarter, this was hugely impacted by a $99 million tax charge linked to the Trump government’s taxation reform enacted in December. Earnings from operations increased 96.9 per cent primarily due to sales growth.

    For the full year, Skechers earned $179.2 million, down 26.4 per cent on 2016’s $243.5 million, but that, too, is after the taxation impact.

    Lees ook:

  • PUMA And Hello Kitty Just Took Cuteness To The Next Level

    PUMA And Hello Kitty Just Took Cuteness To The Next Level

    Puma Japan has launched a red-and-white themed collection that pays homage to the Hello Kitty character.

    At the centre of the limited-edition collection is a pair of sneakers created to mark the 50th anniversary of Puma Suede.

    For the collection, Hello Kitty appears with her trademark bow and milk bottle.

    On the shoes, the graphic is accented with red laces and red suede on the tongue, heel and sides. Hello Kitty also appears on the tongue, poking out from the laces alongside the Puma logo.

    The Sanrio character can be found on several other items in the German sportswear brand’s range, including a red-and-white tracksuit and a t-shirt. A gymsack and a backpack feature the character on see-through designs.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Columbia Sportswear Company Reports Record Sales and Earnings

    Columbia Sportswear Company Reports Record Sales and Earnings

    Columbia Sportswear has reported record fourth quarter net sales of US$776 million for the three months to December.

    The figure represents an 8 per cent increase on the same period a year earlier. Fourth quarter operating income was $109.4 million, but the company recorded a $7.1 million net loss for the period, largely due to restructuring costs under its Project Connect program.

    Full year net sales increased 4 per cent, to a record $2.47 billion, while full year net income fell from $191.9 million to $105.1 million, again due to restructuring costs and one-off items.

    President and CEO Tim Boyle described the sales figures as “better than expected” citing continued growth in Europe and North America, along with improved sales by distributor partners globally.

    “We are particularly encouraged by the strong results we achieved in Europe-direct in 2017, completing a third consecutive year of double-digit constant-currency net sales growth and continued improvement in operating margin. A relentless focus also drove 2017 net sales growth in the US, with expansion of direct-to-consumer offsetting challenges in wholesale resulting from the effect of bankruptcies, liquidations and stores closures.”

    Boyle said the company anticipates further sales and earnings growth this year, and a continuation of the company’s strategic repositioning.

    “With record cash and short-term investment balances of $768.1 million exiting 2017, and no long-term debt, we have the flexibility to adapt our business as our major markets continue to evolve. It is from this position of strength that we are investing in our strategic priorities to drive brand awareness and sales growth through increased, focused demand creation investments, enhance consumer experience and digital capabilities in all our channels and geographies, expand and improve global DTC operations with supporting processes and systems; and invest in our people and optimise our organisation across our portfolio of brands.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Asia boosts Hermes international sales

    Asia boosts Hermes international sales

    Hermes international sales showed strong growth last year, pushed by an upward curve in Asia.

    Sales for the French fashion brand were up 9 per cent at constant exchange rates, with consolidated revenues reaching €5.5 billion (US$6.7 billion). After adjustment for the negative currency effect resulting from the year-end strengthening of the euro, the increase was 7 per cent.

    In the final quarter growth was sustained at 5 per cent at constant exchange rates.

    During the year Hermes continued to improve its distribution network, renovating and extending almost 20 stores. It launched websites in Canada and the US, to be followed by China at the end of this year.

    Asia, excluding Japan, saw sales rise 11 per cent with a positive outlook in Mainland China and South Asia.

    Hermes says the context is improving in Hong Kong and Macau. Regional stores were extended and renovated – the Sogo Fuxing store in Taiwan, Kowloon Elements in Hong Kong and the Kuala Lumpur store.

    Despite a high comparison basis, Japan recorded a sustained increase of 4 per cent thanks to its selective distribution network.

    All sectors recorded growth, with a “remarkable” performance by the ready-to-wear and accessories, perfumes and other sectors.

    Leather goods and saddlery sales grew 10 per cent to meet demand for such bags as Constance, Halzan, Lindy and Verrou. Shoes particularly boosted sales in the ready-to-wear and accessories division, up 9 per cent, silk and textiles had a  6 per cent rise, while the perfumes division posted 10 per cent growth with the launch of Twilly d’Hermes.

    There was a 1 per cent rise in watch sales, while other Hermes business lines ‒ encompassing jewellery, Art of Living and Hermes Table Arts ‒ rose 11 per cent.

    Currency fluctuations had a negative impact of €100 million on revenues.

    The company will publish its annual results next month.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Turnover soars 94 per cent for H&M India

    Turnover soars 94 per cent for H&M India

    With store openings and competitive pricing, H&M India has upped its turnover 94.5 per cent in India for the year to the end of November.

    The Swedish fast-fashion retailer’s turnover reached INR955 crore (US$148 million) for the 12 months.

    Its growth follows it opening more stores in India, taking the count from 15 to 27. It entered small markets such as Coimbatore, Indore and Raipur, as well as adding outlets in Mumbai and the Delhi-National Capital Region, where it has had a presence since 2015.

    In its earning release, H&M says it plans to launch an e-store later in India this year.

    Meanwhile, Inditex-owned Zara crossed INR1000 crore in sales last year, seven years after arriving in India, and last year opened an e-commerce portal.

    But H&M is confident its low-priced apparel and wide variety will help it win in India. “I think our business concept is working,” says country manager Janne Einola.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • L’Oreal reports healthy 2017: notes “strong potential” of travel retail

    L’Oreal reports healthy 2017: notes “strong potential” of travel retail

    L’Oréal’s 2017 sales climbed +2% year-on-year (at constant exchange rates) to €26 billion. Like-for-like sales were up +4.8% and net profit (excluding non-recurring items) increased +2.8% to €3.7 billion.

    The company noted the “strong potential” of its travel retail business, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.

    Group revenue growth was buoyed by e-commerce sales, which rose +33%.

    L’Oréal Luxe sales grew by +10.6% on a reported basis with Asia Pacific delivering a double-digit increase. China and travel retail both achieved “particularly good figures”.

    Sales in the Active Cosmetics division rose by +11.9%, with sales breaking €2 billion.

    The Consumer Products division posted +1% growth while Professional Products sales decreased -1.4%.

    L’Oréal Chairman and CEO Jean-Paul Agon said: “In a beauty market that pursued its steady growth in 2017, L’Oréal had a good year with sustained sales growth momentum, and robust profits. As announced, the second half accelerated compared with the first, particularly in the fourth quarter with +5.5% like-for-like growth. All the divisions recorded sales growth, especially L’Oréal Luxe which is delivering spectacular growth, particularly in Asia. The Active Cosmetics division achieved more than €2 billion in sales for the first time.

    “Growth in the Consumer Products division is being slowed by the continuing difficulties of the American and French markets, while sales in the Professional Products division improved at the end of the year. Today more than ever, L’Oréal can rely on its unique portfolio of powerful and complementary brands, eight of which now have sales above €1 billion.

    “As for the geographic zones, the New Markets exceeded more than €10 billion of sales for the first time ever, thanks especially to the dynamism of Asia Pacific. Performance in Western Europe remained solid.

    “2017 was especially notable for the accentuation of our digital edge and the strengthening of our positions in two strategic channels. Firstly in e-commerce, where our sales accelerated to reach €2 billion, an increase of +33.6%. Secondly in travel retail, a channel with strong potential, in which L’Oréal celebrated 40 years of presence by strengthening its number one position.

    “In terms of results, as announced, operating margin has reached the record level of 18% of sales, while increasing research expenses and business drivers. There were improvements in all our operating parameters; the quality of the results is also reflected in the record cash flow.

    “And finally, in 2017, L’Oréal was recognised for its leadership in corporate social responsibility with, for the second year running, the best score awarded by the CDP, three ‘A’s, and L’Oréal has been ranked number 1 in all sectors by Vigeo Eiris. L’Oréal has also obtained first place in the world ranking by Equileap for gender equality.

    “As for 2018, in a market that should remain dynamic and contrasted, L’Oréal more than ever before has the best advantages in terms of innovation, brand power, digital prowess, and the quality of its teams all over the world, to win market share and strengthen its beauty leadership. We are therefore confident that, this year once again, we will outperform the market and achieve significant growth in like-for-like sales and an increase in profitability.”

    RESULTS BY REGION

    Western Europe

    In 2017, Western Europe posted growth of +2.6% like-for-like and +1.5% reported. Growth was particularly robust in Great Britain, Spain and Germany, fuelled by the make-up and skincare categories. Sales in France continued to be held back by a slightly contracting market. The two main divisions, Consumer Products and L’Oréal Luxe, outperformed their respective markets, and the Active Cosmetics division’s growth accelerated in the second part of the year.

    North America

    North America posted growth of +1.7% like-for-like and +3.5% reported. Make-up sales were driven by NYX Professional Makeup and L’Oréal Paris. Haircare is “proving less dynamic”, L’Oréal said. The strong performance of Active Cosmetics was bolstered by the recent acquisition of CeraVe and the SkinCeuticals and La Roche-Posay brands.

    New markets

    Asia Pacific recorded growth of +12.3% like-for-like and +9.2% reported. China’s strong growth was fuelled by ‘very good’ e-commerce results across all divisions. India, Thailand and Malaysia all posted strong gains.

    Latin America sales increased +5.6% like-for-like and +6.2% reported. Mexico and Argentina recorded double-digit growth, while the economic environment remains difficult in Brazil. The L’Oréal Luxe and Active Cosmetics divisions achieved double-digit rises, driven by Lancôme and La Roche-Posay. Make-up turned in a solid performance for Consumer Products, reflecting the expansion of NYX and the continued growth of Maybelline.

    Eastern Europe was up +8.6% like-for-like and +11.4% reported. Turkey and Central Europe were the growth drivers, while sales in Russia were ‘satisfactory’. E-commerce now accounts for more than 5% of sales in this region.

    Sales growth in Africa and the Middle East was -7.1% like-for-like and -9.4% reported, with a “clear improvement” in the second half. Despite substantial declines in markets, the situation is stabilising in the Gulf states, said L’Oréal. Sales in Egypt were “dynamic”.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook: