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Tag: Bally

  • Struggling Shandong Ruyi fails to support Bally buy

    Struggling Shandong Ruyi fails to support Bally buy

    Chinese apparel group Shandong Ruyi has been unsuccessful in raising funds to settle its planned purchase of Swiss luxury brand Bally.

    According to a Reuters report, the potential deal has been in the works for more than two years and would have required funding of US$600 million. Since making the agreement, the firm has suffered financial difficulties, with the recent coronavirus outbreak proving the final insurmountable hurdle against the transaction.

    Shandong Ruyi has already spent billions of dollars in purchasing luxury brands from Europe, including Aquascutum and SMCP brands Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot, with a view to establishing a major luxury fashion house to rival the likes of LVMH, which has brought significant pressure to bear on the firm’s own financing. It also bought the iconic Lycra business last year.

    Sales of its newly purchased brands have suffered heavily during the epidemic.

    The firm recently suffered negative publicity for its difficulties settling payment for a controlling stake in Israeli menswear group Bagir. Another disgruntled partner, Japanese clothing group Renown, has reported losses caused by failure to collect debts from Ruyi, while Portuguese tailoring company Calvelex has also moved to sue Ruyi for non-payment of debts.

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  • DFS and Bally Partnership Launches Deng Lun capsule collection

    DFS and Bally Partnership Launches Deng Lun capsule collection

    Luxury travel retailer DFS Group and Swiss luxury brand Bally have released an exclusive capsule collection featuring new ambassador Deng Lun.

    The Fall Winter 2019 ready-to-wear DFS and Bally collection features Bally’s best-selling silhouettes with some exclusive details. Inspired by the joy and freedom of travel, the collection explores these emotions through mountaineering and other forms of discovery. The unisex series of ready-to-wear and leather goods also echoes Bally’s sportswear design DNA.

    “We are thrilled to be partnering with Bally in debuting an exclusive capsule collection, and to introduce yet another assortment that our discerning customers can only find at DFS stores worldwide,” said DFS Group senior VP fashion Magali Ginsburg.

    “DFS represents the ultimate luxury shopping experience in the travel retail channel. We are pleased to serve customers in this important network with a unique collection that reflects the sense of adventure rooted in Bally’s history. Our partnership with pioneering actor Deng Lun aptly celebrates this capsule debut,” said Bally Group CEO Nicolas Girotto.

    The exclusive capsule collection includes three men’s large leather goods and three ready-to-wear pieces as well as two unisex caps.

    The DFS x Bally capsule collection will be available at select DFS downtown T Gallerias and airport stores until May 30.

  • DKSH adds 3 brands in path to double Thai luxury

    DKSH adds 3 brands in path to double Thai luxury

    Market expansion service provider DKSH Thailand has announced plans to double the scale of its Thai luxury and lifestyle business within two years. The firm has picked up three international brands this year, with another Italian lifestyle brand to be added to its portfolio next year.

    Included in the expansion is a THB30 million (US$913,800) investment in a new 200sqm flagship Bally store in Thailand, opening at Iconsiam on Friday (November 9).

    DKSH regional VP of luxury and lifestyle business Franck Giacobini said luxury and lifestyle is picking up again and sales are strong.

    “DKSH’s luxury and lifestyle business in Thailand will strengthen in the next few years because the country has a young population with high spending power.”

    He added that DKSH will allocate a huge investment to the Thai market, considering the country’s high-end retail complexes and strong tourism.

    President of DKSH Thailand Douglas Humphrey added: “DKSH has been in Thailand for over a century. Our consumer product business in Thailand is the biggest market for the DKSH network globally. We will continue to invest here in terms of people, capability and supply chain in the coming years.”

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  • DFS and Bally To Launch Exclusive New Galaxy Sneaker for Men and Woman

    DFS and Bally To Launch Exclusive New Galaxy Sneaker for Men and Woman

    DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, and Swiss luxury brand Bally are bringing back classic 1980s design with the launch of the new DFS x Bally Galaxy sneaker for men and women.

    A replica of one of Bally’s most iconic products, the new Galaxy is the company’s lightest sneaker yet. Available in two versions, a maroon for men and a blush derivation for women, both pay tribute to Bally’s origins in elevated sportswear, mixing luxury suede and leather detailing with a more breathable canvas and a new sporty treaded sole that provides greater traction.

    “At DFS, newness and innovation are hallmarks of our approach to delighting our customers. We are thrilled to be partnering with Bally on this exciting rendition of the Galaxy sneaker, and to introduce yet another product to our customers that is available only at DFS stores worldwide,” said Sibylle Scherer, DFS President Merchandising and Consumer Marketing.

    “Born in 1983 and recently relaunched, Bally’s Galaxy remains as modern and stylish as ever, whether you’re hitting the track or walking the city streets. We are delighted to be partnering with DFS to share this iconic sneaker with a whole new generation of Bally lovers,” said Frédéric de Narp, CEO Bally Group.

    The Galaxy is part of Bally’s Retro Sneaker Collection, a re-release of some of the company’s most iconic sneaker styles from the past four decades. The new collection includes four replicas of the most successful lace ups, from hip-hop era classics to tennis shoes and sporty runners.

    DFS and Bally will officially launch the new Galaxy sneaker on Saturday May 12 at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, City of Dreams. Following its release, the sneaker will be available exclusively at T Galleria by DFS stores worldwide.

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  • Fosun International reportedly acquires Lanvin

    Fosun International reportedly acquires Lanvin

    Fosun International has purchased Paris fashion brand Lanvin for more than 100 million euros, two sources close to the matter have revealed to the French fashion press.

    Sources revealed to FashionNetwork.com late Friday that the Chinese group would acquire France’s oldest fashion maison, beating out Qatar’s Mayhoola, winning the auction-style fight for Lanvin that has been ongoing for some weeks.

    “Fosun has won Lanvin and an announcement should be made this week,” one of the sources said.

    The deal will see Fosun International invest more than 100 million euros in Lanvin with the company issuing new shares to its new controlling shareholder.

    Current majority shareholder Shaw-Lan Wang, the Chinese, Taiwan-based entrepreneur, who goes by Madame Shaw, will remain a minority shareholder alongside Swiss German entrepreneur Ralph Bartel, who had to increase his stake in Lanvin to do so. It remains unclear how much of the cash will go to Madame Shaw.

    “It is a surprising decision,” one of the sources said. “This is a complex affair, many will be watching how Fosun handles it.”

    It’s a blow to Mayhoola’s portfolio also. The owner of Valentino and Balmain has been eyeing Lanvin for a decade now.

    Sales at Lanvin have more than halved in the past three years to less than 100 million euros as the French fashion house struggled to reinvent itself under two successive designers in a desperate attempt to find the right strategy after sacking its star designer Alber Elbaz in 2015.

    Owned by Shanghai billionaire Guo Guangchang, Fosun International already has investments in luxury companies, namely French holiday operator Club Med and knitwear band St. John in the United States. It also has stakes in insurance and trading companies.

    It was reported in September last year that the Chinese investor was also in the running to purchase Swiss luxury brand Bally. However, it was announced this week that fellow Asian investor Shangdong Ruyi, the Chinese group that also controls SMCP and Aquascutum, has acquired Bally.

    Lanvin, Fosun International and Mayhoola were unavailable to make a comment on the news.

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  • 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.

  • China’s Ruyi Emerges as Leading Bidder for Bally

    China’s Ruyi Emerges as Leading Bidder for Bally

    Chinese textile producer Shandong Ruyi Group is emerging as leading bidder for Swiss luxury brand Bally International.

    In advanced negotiations with Bally’s owner, JAB Holding, the group has been discussing a price of about US$700 million, insiders say.

    Ruyi has pulled ahead of other suitors including Club Med owner Fosun International and Chinese apparel maker Fujian Septwolves Industry, and another buyer may yet emerge.

    Ruyi agreed in November to buy a controlling stake in Trinity, the owner of British bespoke suit-maker Gieves & Hawkes, for HK$2.22 billion (U$284 million). The previous month, it said it would buy the owner of material company Lycra. In 2016, it acquired SMCP, whose fashion brands include Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot, and agreed to buy British trench-coat maker Aquascutum last year.

    Founded in Switzerland in 1851, Bally was previously owned by US buyout firm TPG, which agreed to sell the firm to JAB in 2008.

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  • Chinese bidders lining up for Bally International

    Chinese bidders lining up for Bally International

    Chinese apparel manufacturer Fujian Septwolves Industry and conglomerate Fosun International are among bidders for the €600 million (US$717 million) Swiss luxury leather goods company Bally International.

    Non-binding offers coming in this week also included Japanese trading firm Itochu Corp.

    Bally parent JAB Holding, owned by the billionaire Reimann family, said in April it was reviewing options for the Swiss company to focus on its F&B business, which has acquired Keurig Green Mountain and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

    In July, JAB bought Panera Bread in a deal that valued the bakery/cafe chain at about $7.5 billion. The same month, the firm agreed to sell London-based shoemaker Jimmy Choo to Michael Kors Holdings for about £896 million ($1.2 billion).

    Founded in 1990, Septwolves makes and distributes its own menswear brands including Owooo and Wolf Totem. Last month it acquired majority stake in the company that owns the licence for the Karl Lagerfeld brand in Greater China.

    Meanwhile, Itochu owned about 34 per cent of London-based apparel maker Paul Smith Group Holdings as of March, while Shanghai-based Fosun, which controls French resort group Club Mediterranee, also owns Italian suit maker Raffaele Caruso, women’s fashion brand St John and Greek accessories brand Folli Follie.

    Founded in Switzerland in 1851, Bally makes luxury leather shoes as well as belts, bags, wallets and clothing. It was previously owned by US buyout firm TPG, which agreed to sell the firm to JAB in 2008.

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  • Bally opens first-ever India store

    Bally opens first-ever India store

    Bally has brought its luxury offerings to India, opening its debut location in New Delhi in partnership with local licensee Reliance Brands.

    Situated in Delhi’s DLF Emporio, the flagship store is lavishly designed with a focus on the high-end products consisting of bags, belts, shoes, jackets, and accessories.

    Opening its doors inside the high-end mall August 2, the Swiss luxury brand joins fellow international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Dior, and Giorgio Armani.

    The launch of Bally’s brick and mortar store comes after twelve months worth of talks with Reliance Brands, part of Reliance Retail and the Reliance Group.

    Founded in 1851 in Switzerland, Bally rose to fame in 1890 for inventing the Zurich pump, before launching its ready-to-wear and accessories lines in 1976.

    After launching internationally in 1990, Bally has launched in many Asian countries and with India the latest market entry.

    It is also due to open up an outlet store in Australia this month, with the reopening of Sydney discount centre, Birkenhead Mall.

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  • Two luxury names to open at revamped centre

    Two luxury names to open at revamped centre

    Luxury retailers, Bally and Harrolds, are set to open their first outlet stores at Birkenhead Point this spring, alongside global designer giants Coach and Michael Kors, and Australian brands Peter’s of Kensington and progressive streetwear designer Zanerobe.

    Mirvac made the announcement yesterday, as the centre prepares for the launch of its multi-million dollar makeover, which will open to the public in early August.

    The fashion brands will join other  international names including Armani, Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret; plus local Australian designer Oroton.

    Pharmacy chain,  Chemist Warehouse recently expanded its footprint to 580sqm along with Shoe Warehouse returning in its new location on Level 1.

    Mirvac said the revamped centre appeals to locals, domestic and international visitors.

    “This latest development responds to our customers’ wants and desires and greatly enhances the appeal of Birkenhead Point, Christina Nelson, Mirvac senior development manager. “We have improved the customer experience by delivering a sophisticated and contemporary palette of finishes in the main mall on Level 2, including new mall flooring and ceilings, bespoke furniture and shopfront upgrades, whilst embracing the heritage backdrop  of this unique and much-loved building.”

    The redevelopment also includes incorporate a new ‘entry statement’, with a  glass window display and state-of-the-art digital screen technology using content designed by creative agency, Vandel. The display, at the Roseby Street entrance, will play host to the Birkenhead Art Project, exhibiting work from some of Australia’s artistic talent in collaboration with Art Pharmacy Founder, Emilya Colliver.

    The art will sit in the giant window display and be interpreted digitally on a large screen.

    Sydney based paper artist, Jo Neville, is first up, showcasing a bespoke paper floral installation.

  • Bally first step in India

    Bally first step in India

    Reliance Brands will launch Bally India after signing an exclusive distribution and marketing rights agreement with the Swiss luxury brand.

    Bally and Reliance plan to open a store in New Delhi next year and will look at further expansion afterwards in Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai.

    “In collaboration with Reliance, we have identified a roadmap to develop the brand in proven retail locations,” says Bally CEO Frederic de Narp.

    Bally has embarked on a global expansion program, including the opening of two concept flagship stores in Tokyo’s Ginza and Los Angeles Rodeo Drive this year. Next year it will add two flagship stores – on New York’s Madison Avenue and in Beijing’s China World Mall.

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  • Sports fashion demand drives Stella sales

    Sports fashion demand drives Stella sales

    Shoe marketer Stella International has reported increased sales in the second quarter on the back of growing demand for sports fashion footwear.

    In the three months to September 30, consolidated revenue from its China retail business and its manufacturing operations amounted to US$569 million, up 4.3 per cent year on year. For the nine months to September 30, revenues totalled US$1.366 billion, an increase of 7.9 per cent.

    “Looking forward, the group expects orders for the group’s footwear products will pick up further towards the end of this year and the beginning of 2016, as its customers continue to expand their global presence and as demand for sports fashion footwear continues to grow,” the company said in a stock exchange filing.

    “Order levels will also be supported by greater efficiency and improved utilisation at the group’s production facilities in inland China and Southeast Asia.

    “The group cautiously expects shipment volumes to reach 58 million pairs by the end of 2015.”

    Stella produces shoes for brands including Clarks, Deckers, Ecco, Rockport, Timberland, Wolverine, Cole Haan, Guess, Jones Group, Kenneth Cole and Michael Kors. It also designs, develops and manufactures footwear for high-fashion brands including Alejandro Ingelmo, Alexander Wang, Armani, Bally, Balmain, Brian Atwood, Givenchy, Kenzo, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marciano, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Prada, Sigerson Morrison, Via Spiga and Y3.

    And taking advantage of its manufacturing expertise, the wide acceptance of Stella’s products by brand customers, the company has successfully expanded into the Chinese and global footwear retail market through its own brands Stella Luna, What For, JKJY by Stella and joint-venture brand, Pierre Balmain.

    Stella says it will continue to implement strict cost controls and efficiency improvement measures to preserve its profitability. This includes placing a renewed focus on leveraging its competitive strengths to pursue new promising product segments, such as sports fashion footwear.

    “The group also remains committed to building the long-term competitiveness of its retail business with the opening of new standalone stores and shops-in-shops in quality locations. It will also continue to boost its branding efforts in Europe to further grow the value of its brands among Chinese consumers.”

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  • ‘First’ high-end luxury concession for Kunming

    ‘First’ high-end luxury concession for Kunming

    Lagardère Travel Retail has opened the first high-end luxury concession in Kunming’s Changshui International Airport in South-Western China, which the retailer says is the result of a ‘close and successful partnership’ with Yunnan Airport Group and Asiaray Media Group.

    Inaugurated in 2012, Changshui airport is said to be one of the largest and most modern in Asia and serves as a gateway to China’s Yunnan region with growing links to neighbouring countries of South-East Asia.

    Evidence of this can be found in the airport’s traffic reports, which show that the number of passengers at Kunming airport has risen rapidly in recent years. In 2015, the airport is expected to serve over 36m passengers and will be the fastest-growing of China’s large airports.

    The master-concession, encompassing an area of over 1,000sq m in the main departure concourse, brings together ‘ten of the biggest names in luxury fashion and cosmetics’, says LTR.

    Emporio Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dior, Hugo Boss, Bally, Montblanc, Coach, MCM, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein Jean comprise a strong brand line-up offering a range of ready-to-wear, accessories and beauty products.

    Dublin-based Aer Rianta International originally opened 11 domestic shops at what was Kunming’s newly-built Changshui International Airport in south-west China in June 2012.

    The contract, secured in 2011, was seen as an important one at the time for ARI, marking its first Mainland China airport store openings where it held exclusive rights to sell duty paid fashion goods and accessories, perfume and cosmetics, confectionery, jewellery and souvenirs at the capital city airport in Yunnan Province.

    However, in September 2014, Aer Rianta International confirmed that it had has ceased duty paid operations at Kunming International Airport and in a brief statement issued at the time, ARI CEO Jack MacGowan said: “We are pleased that ARI Yunnan has reached this constructive and amicable agreement with Yunnan Airports Group in the best interests of both parties and look forward to potential opportunities for working together again.”

    ‘WORLD-CLASS SERVICE FROM SALES CONSULTANTS’

    According to LTR, customers will be able to enjoy “world-class service delivered by Lagardère Travel Retail’s sales consultants who benefit from the company’s ISO-9001 certified OSCAR training programme,” says the Paris headquartered group.

    “The industry leading training program covers customer service, brand philosophy and product knowledge, is unique in the travel retail industry and gives the font-line team the expertise and confidence to provide the exceptional service and personalised experience.

    “The addition of high-end brands to the retail offer at Changshui airport was made possible by the complete transformation of the main commercial surfaces in the airport’s departure concourse.”

    LTR and Asiaray Media have worked closely with Yunnan Airport Group to plan and implement the terminal’s commercial upgrade, which intends to elevate the passenger experience by aligning the quality of the commercial offer with that of the terminal’s ‘outstanding’ architectural design.

    “We are also very pleased to have the opportunity to further deepen our working relationship with our global brand partners that have taken part in this project. We look forward to further development in Kunming Changshui airport across the spectrum of categories. Our partnership with Asiaray creates novel and unique opportunities to drive passenger engagement and increase the visibility of the commercial offer.Eudes Fabre, General Manager – China for Lagardère Travel Retail, said: “This new opening is an exciting development for Lagardère Travel Retail in China. We are grateful to Yunnan Airport Group for their trust in our capabilities and for their effective support throughout the planning and building process.

    “We are now working together with the airport to offer exclusive and personalised services that improve the airport experience for our customers, create delightful moments and build loyalty.”

    Vincent Lam, CEO of Asiaray Media Group added: “We very pleased with the collaboration with Lagardère Travel Retail. They are a global leader in the airport retail and F&B sector and have demonstrated their professionalism, innovative spirit and understanding of local market trends throughout the different stages of this project. This partnership is an important development for our company.

    “We aim to create an innovative business model that benefits all parties by delivering an engaging experience between customers, shops and airport. This is our first pilot site where we have exclusive advertising concession at Kunming Changshui airport.

    “By closely integrating advertising and commercial assets within the terminal, we will be able to create a more interactive and ultimately more compelling experience for travellers. Our media assets will support the growth of the retail operation which shall certainly benefit us as advertising service provider riding on the business performance of such operation.”“We look forward to cover the other 25 airports where we have similar exclusive rights in the whole of China. This new development creates many new possibilities for our mutual brand partners.

    Wang Xinrui, Director of Commercial Management of Kunming Changshui International airport, added: “Kunming Airport is very satisfied with the outcome of our collaboration with Lagardère Travel Retail and Asiaray Media Group.

    “The newly-opened luxury brands significantly enhance the image and service provided by our airport and help bring our commercial offer in line with the best airports in the region. We look forwards to growing the collaboration with our partners.”