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Tag: furla

  • Furla appoints Giorgio Presca as its new CEO

    Furla appoints Giorgio Presca as its new CEO

    Italian luxury brand Furla has announced the appointment of Giorgio Presca as the group’s new chief executive officer, effective immediately.

    Presca will succeed COO Devis Bassetto, who temporarily held the position of CEO since April, following the exit of Mauro Sabatini.

    Presca joins the Bologna-based company with 30 years of fashion industry experience.

    He most recently served as CEO of Clarks, prior to which he held the same position at Golden Goose, Geox and Citizens of Humanity.

    Additionally, he has also worked in executive positions for a number of fashion brands such as Diesel and Levis.

    “I am delighted that Giorgio Presca joins Furla as CEO, he is a skilled leader with a strong ability in reinforcing global fashion brands and driving profitable and safe growth,” said Giovanna Furlanetto, president of Fondazione Furla, in a release.

    Furlanetto continued: “Mr Presca shares our values and our determination to establish Furla as a real democratic brand, the only Italian brand in its category. This appointment also stands to highlight my whole family’s willingness to continue with the full control of our business and lead it into the future.”

  • Furla Hong Kong unveils new store design at Harbour City

    Furla Hong Kong unveils new store design at Harbour City

    Italian luxury brand Furla has relocated within Harbour City, revealing a new store design concept.

    Located on the second floor, the 1500sqft Furla Hong Kong outlet features a wide selection of handbags, small leather goods and other accessories.

    The facade showcases a Champagne gold anodized steel frame with the brand’s logo. The interior features Italian grey tiles and wooden flooring together with a textured-paint wall and an onyx feature wall.

    “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Harbour City with a bigger boutique, which features our new store design,” said Alberto Camerlengo, CEO of the Furla Group.

    “The Furla Hong Kong store concept is modern and sophisticated, providing an essentially Italian shopping experience to our customers from all over the world.”

  • Furla Hong Kong opens new boutique at Peak Galleria

    Furla Hong Kong opens new boutique at Peak Galleria

    Furla in Hong Kong has opened a new boutique at the Peak Galleria.

    The 67sqm store takes a prominent position on the first floor of one of Hong Kong’s top tourist destinations, sporting an updated look with Italian marble flooring, timber veneer wall finishes, and furniture in Champagne gold and matte finishes.

    The boutique carries an extensive range of handbags, small leather goods and other accessories from the brand’s women’s collection.

    “Peak Galleria is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Hong Kong,” says Furla Group CEO Alberto Camerlengo, “and we are pleased to expand the brand’s footprint in this prime location with a modern and sophisticated store design that continues to offer our customers an essentially Italian shopping experience within a refined setting”.

    To celebrate the opening, Furla has launched an exclusive version of its Furla Mimi bag in vegetable-tanned leather in a limited edition of 20 pieces at the store.

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  • Furla Exceeds 500 Million

    Furla Exceeds 500 Million

    Turnover of the storied Italian leather goods brand increased to 513 million euros. Over the course of the fiscal year, the company made significant investments to strengthen its supply chain and technology – and began 2019 with the launch of its new sneaker collection

    Furla Group continues to grow: over the past four fiscal years, it has doubled its turnover, hitting 513 million euros in 2018, a 5.2% increase at constant exchange over 2017 (or a 2.8% increase at current exchange).

    Analyzing sales by geographic area and at constant exchange, the Asia Pacific region shines, with an 18.2% year-on-year increase in 2018; it now accounts for 26% of total turnover. The United States, meanwhile, saw an increase of 13.2%, and now accounts for 8% of total turnover. Japan remains the brand’s leading market (22% of total sales), and sales there were up 3.6% compared to 2017. The EMEA region, which represents 44% of global turnover, maintains its market position.

    Furla Group continues to seek direct control of its brand distribution through a strengthening of its mono-brand stores, which produced 70% of turnover in 2018. Direct distribution, combined with multi-brand sales points and franchising, allows Furla to have a far-reaching presence in 98 countries worldwide: its 490 mono-brands (285 directly owned, 163 franchisees and 42 travel retail doors) are in the most prestigious international shopping locations. Over 1,200 select multi-brands and department store corners complete the company’s distribution network.

    Of particular note is the travel retail sector, which is in continuous evolution and in 2018 registered a 16.2% increase over 2017, accounting for 7.3% of the Group’s turnover through its sales at 293 doors, from boutiques, corners, shop-in-shops, aircraft and cruise ships, across 64 countries.

    The company paid special attention to its direct e-commerce platform, where, thanks to repeated investments, there was a substantial turnover increase in 2018: 45.7% over the previous year, at constant exchange.

    Furla Group is focused on solidifying the wild growth it has experienced over the past several years. The company has directed major resources toward strengthening the supply chain, as well as systemically integrating countries with direct and indirect distribution networks into Furla’s corporate culture and technology.

    The supply chain, which is key to guaranteeing the quality and timeliness of manufacturing, has recently benefited from the company’s adoption of a more evolved and high-performing computer system, as well as financial tools that free up resources so that suppliers can invest in bettering the manufacturing cycle.

    After years of geographic expansion across the globe, the Group is now focused on a more selective development and on categories of merchandise that are complementary to its core business: in February of this year, during Milan fashion week, Furla introduced its new sneaker collection, supported by a series of important 360° marketing activities.

    Furla has further strengthened investment in its marketing operations, underlining its particular attention to digital communication and social channels, which have shown an important increase of followers (+64% versus 2017 on Instagram and WeChat), while maintaining one of the highest engagement rates (1,59%) within the fashion luxury category.

    Furla Group’s continuing investments in human resources have long allowed it not only to add jobs, but also to provide a better quality work life at the company and incentivize employees through its corporate welfare system “Furla for You.” This initiative has been recognized two years in a row for its excellence, with Furla listed among Italy’s Top Employers.

    “We are highly satisfied with these financial results, which we achieved at a challenging time for the international market,” said Alberto Camerlengo, Chief Executive Officer of Furla Group.  “We’ve invested significant financial resources in managing the unrestrained growth the company has experienced over the last several years, from acquiring total control of our retail distribution network in China, Hong Kong,Macau and Singapore, to strengthening our supply chain. Our single, fundamental goal has always been to guarantee continuity and excellence in all of Furla’s creations.”

  • AirPass helps Aussie retailers woo Chinese shoppers

    AirPass helps Aussie retailers woo Chinese shoppers

    Recently, Australia fintech company AirPay Financial Technologies announced its regional collaboration with China leading mobile payment technology company SwiftPass to form a new lifestyle brand “AirPass”. Connecting Australian merchants directly with Chinese consumers, AirPass lets local retailers accept WeChat Pay and Alipay both online and offline, as well as reach overseas markets to make the most of the global Chinese spending boom.

    AirPass is a lifestyle brand backed by Australian fintech startup AirPay Financial Technologies, in partnership with leading Chinese mobile payment provider SwiftPass. The new brand brings China’s most popular ePayment, eStore, eCard, eMarketing and eWallet services to Australia, allowing Chinese tourists, students and migrants to make over the counter purchases by simply scanning a QR code on their smartphone.

    The payment platform can also be integrated into Australian e-commerce websites and mobile apps, taking advantage of AsiaPay’s PayDollar payment gateway. Supporting multiple shopping cart plugins, PayDollar provides a one-stop online payment solution allowing local merchants to accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, Visa, MasterCard, Amex, PayPal and ZipPay

    “AirPass is providing a user-friendly platform for Australian retailers to build their own eStore to facilitate marketing and payment – which is the key to entering the Chinese consumer market,” says SwiftPass Technologies VP Tong Liu.

    Meanwhile, the AirPass app for iOS and Android lets Australian retailers connect directly with Chinese shoppers. AirPass assists Australian retailers and brands with setting up their own WeChat eStore to tap into Chinese social marketing channels. This allows local retailers to sell products via the WeChat ecosystem, reaching new customers in China along with Chinese communities around the globe.

    AirPass’ arrival in Australia comes as Boxing Day saw record high sales to Chinese shoppers across major retailers and shopping centre groups such as Westfield, Chadstone, QVB and Pacific Fair.

    “We are thrilled to announce our regional partnership with SwiftPass and recently launch WeChat Pay and Alipay to Australia’s largest and oldest pearling company Paspaley,” says AirPay Financial Technologies chief executive Jimmy Zhu. “There is huge demand from the market pushing us to deliver more advanced payment and marketing products.”

    Another Australian family-owned luxury retailer, Harrolds recently launched a WeChat Official Account and will soon accept WeChat Pay and Alipay in-store.

    Other luxury brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Valentino, Mulberry, Givenchy, Off-White, Marais, Furla, Folli Follie and Sneakerboy are also adopting the AirPass platform in order to better reach Chinese shoppers.

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  • A look into Furla recent success strategy

    A look into Furla recent success strategy

    Furla Group continues to grow, with 252 million euros in turnover in the first half of 2018, a 10.6% increase at constant exchange. Turnover increased in the first part of the year across all markets. In particular, the Asia Pacific region registered a 28.6% increase at constant exchange, while Japan saw a 9.5% increase. The United States also registered an excellent performance, with a 24.2% increase.

    Figures from the first half of the year reveal that Italy now accounts for 15% of total turnover; the EMEA region (excluding Italy), 28%; the APAC region, 27%; Japan, 23%; and the U.S., 7%.

    Extensive worldwide distribution continues to be among the Italian company’s strong points: Furla is present in 100 countries, with 471 monobrand stores situated in the most prestigious international shopping streets. It also has over 1.200 multibrand and department store sales points.

    Over the past several months, Furla Group has assumed full control of its retail distribution in China, Hong Kong and Macau.

    Travel retail played a fundamental role in the company’s growth, with year-on-year sales up by 23% in the sector, which accounts for 8% of Furla Group’s total turnover.

    The company is present in the travel retail channel in 64 countries, with a total of 298 sales points, including boutiques, corners, shop-in-shops, aircraft and cruise ships.

    Furla is carrying out a major investment plan that aims to consolidate its impressive growth trajectory over the past several years and make it sustainable.

    Significant resources are being directed toward strengthening the supply chain through the implementation of a more sophisticated information system better suited to the company’s current size.

    The selection process for suppliers is ongoing and crucial to guarantee continued high-quality, on-time manufacturing.

    The company has also paid great attention to its new e-commerce platform, which saw sales increase by 24.1% in the first half of this year.

    Continual investments in human resources have allowed Furla Group to create new positions: today, the number of employees worldwide is 2.514, compared with 2.362 in December 2017.

    The company is also boosting its investments in marketing and communication, with ever-greater emphasis on digital and social media.

    A new, elegant monogram inspired by Furla’s “F” was created and introduced in Milan during the city’s women’s fashion week in September 2018.

  • Furla opens largest Malaysian store

    Furla opens largest Malaysian store

    Italian luxury label Furla has launched its largest store in Malaysia. The new 1290sqft boutique in Kuala Lumpur’s Suria KLCC has been lavishly decked out in rosewood and Italian travertine marble alongside opalescent glass and champagne gold finishing on product displays. Several local celebrities were spotted in attendance at the store’s launch.

    The brand’s new range is now featured in store, including the Furla Cometa quilted camera bag and the Cometa tote. Furla is also offering its Cruise 2019 fur-free collection.

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  • Furla growth report slowing down

    Furla growth report slowing down

    Italian handbag label Furla has posted a 5.8 per cent rise in sales for the first half of the year, down from 23.5 per cent growth during the same period last year.

    Furla sales growth in Asia has similarly slowed, showing a 27 per cent growth in the Asia-Pacific region as opposed to last year’s 63 per cent increase. Furla recently assumed direct control of retail distribution in the greater China region.

    Furla generates 23 per cent of its sales in Japan against 7 per cent in the US. Revenue growth for Japan was 9.5 per cent, while growth for the US market was 24.2 per cent. E-commerce sales are up 24.1 per cent.

    Furla’s GM Alberto Camerlengo said: “For us, 2018 is a year of consolidation.” He described the firm’s plans to strengthen its delivery organisation via the adoption of a more advanced IT system as better suited to the company’s increased size.

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  • Furla Asia sales boosts its global growth

    Furla Asia sales boosts its global growth

    Furla Asia sales soared a stunning 50 per cent last year, powering the brand’s global sales to €499 million (US$618 million).

    Revenue from Asia-Pacific now accounts for 24 per cent of global sales and that share is steadily rising.

    Sales in Japan, a separate reporting division, increased by 15.4 per cent, while sales in its largest region, Europe, Middle East and Africa, were up 12.9 per cent, now representing 46 per cent of global sales.

    In Australia, where Furla purchased back the distribution rights to its brand from Luxury Retail Group (LRG) last year, sales rose 60 per cent. Earlier this year the company revealed plans to double its store presence Down Under from its 15 initial locations on the east coast.

    Globally Furla’s earnings increased by 34.1 per cent last year on sales up 20 per cent.

    “The 500 million euros goal is something to be very proud of and motivation to keep evolving,” said CEO Alberto Camerlengo. “The organic sales growth data is the most relevant, as it confirms that the company is on solid financial ground, thanks to the excellence of the brand and the quality of the product and Italian design we offer our customers. The company’s widespread growth across all markets reflects our efforts in further strengthening our distribution network and investing in research and product innovation.”

    Meanwhile, Furla continues to buy back distributorships around the world, the latest market being Singapore. Camerlengo said the brand will increase its store count in the city state, hoping to attract Chinese tourists as well as local shoppers.

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  • Furla Beijing flagship opens

    Furla Beijing flagship opens

    Luxury brand Furla China has opened its first store in Beijing, at lifestyle retail destination WF Central.

    BEIJING WF CENTRAL_Inside 3

    As well as women’s leather goods and sunglasses, the Italian brand’s 208sqm flagship store features a special range inspired by the city’s symbol, the Panda Collection.

    BEIJING WF CENTRAL_Inside 2

    BEIJING WF CENTRAL _Inside 1

    Furla CEO Alberto Camerlengo says the opening of the flagship highlights the brand’s determination with its expansion strategy in China.

    BEIJING WF CENTRAL_Outside 2

     

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  • Furla sales soar in Asia-Pacific

    Furla sales soar in Asia-Pacific

    Italian fashion group Furla continues to thrive in Asia, the region now accounting for half its global sales.

    After recording its highest-yet turnover and profit in 2016, Furla sales rose a further 23.5 per cent in the half year to June 30, reaching euro 238 million.

    The Asia-Pacific region registered 63 per cent growth, with China, South Korea and Australia standout markets. Sales in Japan rose 16 per cent.

    Furla is preparing to double its presence in Australia after buying back its Australian retail operations from Luxury Retail Group earlier this year.

    The Italian-based brand increased its Australian turnover by 64 per cent in the first half of 2017, underpinning group CEO Alberto Camerlengo’s optimism in the local market as part of a broader Asia-Pacific expansion strategy.

    “We have great expectations in Australia,” Camerlengo told Inside Retail Weekly. “Based on the results we have until now and the opportunity that we have in front of us, I think we can double our presence in Australia.”

    With products available in over 100 countries, Furla Group has 444 mono-brand stores, about half of which are directly managed, and is present in over 1200 multi-brand and department stores.

    “The results of the first half of 2017 make us very proud and underline the way turnover has doubled over the last three years,” commented Camerlengo.

    “This growth, in extremely complex scenarios, is important in all markets as is the improvement in the quality of our distribution network and of our relationship with our strategic partners,” he said.

    Our intent is to continue growing organically both in our diverse product categories and in our geographic footprint.”

    Japan is by far Furla’s largest country market, accounting for 24 per cent of its sales. The rest of the Asia-Pacific region accounted for a further 24 per cent in the half year. Europe, Middle East and Africa accounted for 45 per cent and the US for 7 per cent.

    Furla’s travel retail channel has also grown substantially: up 47 per cent, thanks to a presence in 52 countries, with a total of 292 sales points ranging from boutiques to corners, shop-in-shops, aircraft and cruise ships.

    Across all channels, organic growth was a major factor in the group’s success, but like-for-like sales in directly operated stores also registered double-digit growth.

    In the second half of this year, Furla plans to open new stores in Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo and Prague.

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  • Furla sales soar 63 per cent in Asia-Pacific

    Furla sales soar 63 per cent in Asia-Pacific

    Italian fashion group Furla continues to thrive in Asia, the region now accounting for half its global sales.

    After recording its highest-yet turnover and profit in 2016, Furla sales rose a further 23.5 per cent in the half year to June 30, reaching euro 238 million.

    The Asia-Pacific region registered 63 per cent growth, with China, South Korea and Australia standout markets. Sales in Japan rose 16 per cent.

    With products available in over 100 countries, Furla Group has 444 mono-brand stores, about half of which are directly managed, and is present in over 1200 multi-brand and department stores.

    “The results of the first half of 2017 make us very proud and underline the way turnover has doubled over the last three years,” commented CEO Alberto Camerlengo.

    “This growth, in extremely complex scenarios, is important in all markets as is the improvement in the quality of our distribution network and of our relationship with our strategic partners,” he said.

    Our intent is to continue growing organically both in our diverse product categories and in our geographic footprint.”

    Japan is by far Furla’s largest country market, accounting for 24 per cent of its sales. The rest of the Asia-Pacific region accounted for a further 24 per cent in the half year. Europe, Middle East and Africa accounted for 45 per cent and the US for 7 per cent.

    Furla’s travel retail channel has also grown substantially: up 47 per cent, thanks to a presence in 52 countries, with a total of 292 sales points ranging from boutiques to corners, shop-in-shops, aircraft and cruise ships.

    Across all channels, organic growth was a major factor in the group’s success, but like-for-like sales in directly operated stores also registered double-digit growth.

    In the second half of this year, Furla plans to open new stores in Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo and Prague.

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  • Furla buys back Australian distribution from Luxury Retail Group

    Furla buys back Australian distribution from Luxury Retail Group

    Furla Group announced the buyback of the Australian distribution network from its distributor, Luxury Retail Group (LRG). Furla opened the first boutique in Westfield Sydney in December 2013, and now has 15 stores in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast.

    Furla acquires 100% of the distribution network, reaffirming the brand’s vision of further strengthening its presence in Australia and New Zealand. This year, Furla plans to open 5 more stores in Australia and New Zealand, beside enlarging the existing Westfield Sydney boutique: by the end of 2017, the network will be made up of 20 Furla stores.

    “Australian market is very important for Furla and crucial in our expansion plan. Since 2013, Luxury Retail Group has been the best key partner to work with as it perfectly embodies the Furla vision, values and DNA: this is the reason why the two LRG directors will remain as board members of Furla Australia” said Alberto Camerlengo, Furla Group CEO, “We expect that in 2017 Australian business will represent the 5% of the global revenues, we are very proud to announce this acquisition. We aim to enhance the distribution in this Country given the success of the Furla retail strategy and the very positive response of Australian customers”.

    “We believe the timing makes sense for Furla to reacquire its distribution.” Nelson Mair, Managing Director of LRG also added, “After having achieved 95% sales growth in 2016, this vertical integration of Furla Australia will better equip the business for the next phase of its growth. I am extremely proud of my team and what they have been able to achieve in such a short space of time and thankful to Furla for trusting their wonderful brand to us”.

    Furla has a direct presence in 100 countries; with 444 monobrand stores that are split evenly between directly-owned boutiques and franchises. The Company also has distribution in multibrand and department stores in 1,200 international locations.

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  • Furla to buy back Australian distribution from Luxury Retail Group

    Furla to buy back Australian distribution from Luxury Retail Group

    Furla Group announced the buyback of the Australian distribution network from its distributor, Luxury Retail Group (LRG). Furla opened the first boutique in Westfield Sydney in December 2013, and now has 15 stores in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast.

    Furla acquires 100% of the distribution network, reaffirming the brand’s vision of further strengthening its presence in Australia and New Zealand. This year, Furla plans to open 5 more stores in Australia and New Zealand, beside enlarging the existing Westfield Sydney boutique: by the end of 2017, the network will be made up of 20 Furla stores.

    “Australian market is very important for Furla and crucial in our expansion plan. Since 2013, Luxury Retail Group has been the best key partner to work with as it perfectly embodies the Furla vision, values and DNA: this is the reason why the two LRG directors will remain as board members of Furla Australia” said Alberto Camerlengo, Furla Group CEO, “We expect that in 2017 Australian business will represent the 5% of the global revenues, we are very proud to announce this acquisition. We aim to enhance the distribution in this Country given the success of the Furla retail strategy and the very positive response of Australian customers”.

    “We believe the timing makes sense for Furla to reacquire its distribution.” Nelson Mair, Managing Director of LRG also added, “After having achieved 95% sales growth in 2016, this vertical integration of Furla Australia will better equip the business for the next phase of its growth. I am extremely proud of my team and what they have been able to achieve in such a short space of time and thankful to Furla for trusting their wonderful brand to us”.

    Furla has a direct presence in 100 countries; with 444 monobrand stores that are split evenly between directly-owned boutiques and franchises. The Company also has distribution in multibrand and department stores in 1,200 international locations.

  • Further ‘exceptional’ growth for Furla Group

    Further ‘exceptional’ growth for Furla Group

    Italian luxury company Furla Group has had another year of what it describes as “exceptional growth” in turnover and profit.

    Sales soared 31.7 per cent in Japan, its strongest market in Asia, and the company is now setting its focus on boosting sales in China and Australia in the year ahead.

    The fashion house turned over €422 million last year (US$446.7 million), up 24.5 per cent year-on-year at constant exchange rates. Pre-tax earnings rose 48 per cent and worldwide like-for-like sales were up 9 per cent.

    Furla says the key factors behind its outstanding performance across all markets and distribution channels were a growing appreciation by international consumers for the brand and its collections, the company’s significant investments in marketing, and its constantly expanding distribution network.

    Furla has a direct presence in 100 countries. Its monobrand stores total 444, compared to 415 in 2015, and these are split evenly between directly owned boutiques and franchises. The company also has wide distribution in multibrand and department stores in 1200 international locations.

    During the year, Furla opened stores on Nathan Road in Hong Kong, Nanjing Road in Shanghai and other upscale addresses in Australia, China and South Korea.

    During the year the company’s travel retail sector also grew significantly, to a total of 262 stores in 63 countries, with a 40 per cent increase in turnover.

    “We are particularly proud of the 2016 results,” says Furla Group GM Alberto Camerlengo. “The investments of the shareholders, our constant efforts in research and product innovation, all the way to distribution, have allowed us to be a leader in the top international markets.”

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