Tag: HAVAIANAS

  • Havaianas parent’s sales surge as international strategy pays off

    Havaianas parent’s sales surge as international strategy pays off

    Alpargatas, the parent of Havaianas, is reaping the benefits of a three-year-old international expansion strategy, despite the impact of Covid on cross-border travel.

    In the year to December, Alpargatas recorded sales of  US$739 million, a 25.7-per-cent improvement in 2020. Outside its home market of Brazil, net revenue climbed 41.5 percent US$227 million.

    “The numbers are the result of a long-term strategy. Three years ago, we established that Alpargatas’ long-term value creation thesis would be based on leveraging the strength of desired and hyper-connected brands such as Havaianas,” said CEO Beto Funari.

    “In this short period, we have proved this thesis as we accelerate the brand’s growth and restructure the business portfolio.”

    The company sold a record 260 million pairs of flip-flops, up 13 percent year on year. Of those, 31 million pairs were sold outside Brazil, an improvement of 38.8 percent versus 2020.

    Funari also said the company’s growing portfolio of non-flip flop products – sandals, flats, sneakers, accessories, and apparel – increased by more than 200 percent during the period.

    In December, Alpargatas secured a deal to acquire a 49.9 percent stake in Californian sustainable footwear brand Rothy’s. Now it is planning a share issue to help fund the acquisition, expected to raise around $400 million.

  • Havaianas has best quarter in a decade as China sales surge

    Havaianas has best quarter in a decade as China sales surge

    Havaianas’ global expansion — prioritizing Europe, China, and the U.S., in addition to Brazil — remains on a strong path. The world market leader in open footwear delivered revenue growth in all regions, including distributors. Outside Brazil, net revenues in constant currency reached R$317.9 million (~US$59.2 million) in 1Q21, climbing 27% year-over-year. Volume increased 34.3% in the period to 7.9 million pairs/pieces. At 24%, EBITDA was 16 p.p. higher than a year earlier.

    On May 3, Havaianas brand owner Alpargatas announced the acquisition of technology startup company ioasys to boost the Havaianas brand growth, with global expansion, acceleration of online sales, and extension of the product portfolio as its pillars. Acquired company ioasys has a proven track record of success in end-to-end digital solutions and a strong culture centered on user experience.

    In the so-called Big Bets, or priority markets, year-over-year growth in net revenues in constant currency reached 26% in Europe, 13% in the U.S., and 736% in China in 1Q21. All these markets also saw margin gains.

    “Havaianas is stronger than ever, inspired by people in Brazil and around the world. The brand has expanded globally, accelerated online sales, and broadened its portfolio with innovation and sustainable technologies. We take pride not only in our ability to expand revenues and profits, but also to support society in the fight against the pandemic and in socio-environmental causes. We are on the right track to capture the full potential of Havaianas,” says Beto Funari, CEO of Alpargatas, owner of Havaianas, a brand that is present in more than 130 countries. The Brazilian multinational disclosed earnings on Monday, May 3.

    After a solid performance in 2020, the company had its best first quarter in a decade, delivering expanding revenues, margins, and EBITDA. Consolidated net revenues climbed 32.7% year-over-year to R$901.3 million (~US$168 million). Recurring EBITDA totaled R$158.7 million (~US$ 29.6 million), almost double the figure seen in 1Q20. Recurring net income increased 73.3% year-over-year to R$135 million (~US$25.1 million). These results supported cash generation of R$237 million (~US$44 million), and the company ended the quarter with a financial position of R$698 million (~US$130 million).

  • Havaianas invests $US50 million in Asian expansion plan

    Havaianas invests $US50 million in Asian expansion plan

    Undeterred by the advent of Covid-19, Brazilian flip-flop brand Havaianas is investing US$50 million into the expansion of its retail footprint across Asia-Pacific between now and 2024.

    Havaianas – which sells about 1 million pairs of footwear a day worldwide – was until 2017 represented by a small group of licensed distributors in Asia, overseen by an export manager in Brazil who also had responsibility for Africa, South America, and the Middle East. However, in 2018 the company opened a regional office in Hong Kong and appointed an Asia regional president, experienced retailer Robert Esser, to build a team managing expansion from Greater China down to Australia and New Zealand.

    Esser has since built a team of around 30 staff and opened a sub-office in Mainland China to accelerate the push there.

    New distributors have been appointed in multiple markets and the network has since grown from 35 to about 135 stores, augmented by another 25 or so short-term pop-up stores in regional areas where cold winter weather is not conducive to wearing flip flops all year round. Flagships have opened in Manila in the Philippines, and at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach in Australia, and the brand has established virtual stores on Chinese marketplaces including JD and Tmall.

    “In Asia Pacific today, our biggest potential markets are China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia,” explains Esser. “We now plan to reach more local consumers and deliver a change in the way they perceive and wear flip-flops. Havaianas wants to enchant Asian consumers and build a strong emotional connection and affective memory, occupying a unique space where attributes like functionality, style, and accessibility meet.”

    Esser believes the expansion reflects a great opportunity to introduce consumers to “a whole new concept in flip-flops”: not just functional footwear, but a combination of comfort and style and “a true fashion accessory”.

    “Apac is diverse but consumers are looking for authenticity, high quality, and fashionable products so Havaianas can be perfect for them,” said Esser.

    With Covid-19 leading to the closure of many of Havaianas and its partners’ stores across Asia for varying amounts of time, the company invested “disproportionately” into online channels, he says, setting out to achieve “find-ability and visibility”.

    “We set up stronger social-commerce platforms and built a relevant influencer strategy with local brand ambassadors, like Luna Maya in Indonesia and Nelydia Nik Sen in Malaysia. This has already delivered promising results with online business growing three-fold during the first quarter and six-fold during April.”

  • OnTheList launches in Singapore

    OnTheList launches in Singapore

    Hong Kong’s OnTheList flash-sale concept has launched in Singapore.

    The first OnTheList Singapore sale will run from September 19 to 22 in Ngee Ann City Tower B.

    It marks the first overseas foray by the independent, members-only flash-sale concept platform, founded in 2016 by French entrepreneurs, Delphine Lefay and Diego Dultzin Lacoste.

    OnTheList contracts to brands to move excess inventories in short-term sales, with discounts as high as 90 per cent. By selling to a pre-registered, members-only audience, the sales do not undermine those at mainstream stores, or clutter them with racks of off-price merchandise.

    Consumers enrol to attend sales online, with options of free access or a paid premium membership giving advance access to sales.  A separate website has been built for OnTheList Singapore.

    “When I was working in Hong Kong’s retail industry, there was an absence of options for distributors and brands to clear old inventory occupying valuable warehouse space,” explains Delphine Lefay. “To fill this gap, we founded OnTheList as an independent third-party platform and it was the first of its kind in Asia.

    “Through flash sales we hosted, we offered consumers access to premium products at attractive prices, and brands the opportunity to clear past-season items and connect with new customers,” she adds.

    Dultzin Lacoste says this method of clearing stock also promotes sustainability and minimises environmental impact within the retail industry, as old inventory does not go to waste.

    “OnTheList’s business model also gives brands the opportunity to reach out to a wider consumer database, engaging them through the flash sale platform as a first touch point.”

    In just two years, the business has gone from a few pop-up sales to over 150 flash sales and partnerships with over 250 premium brands, including Armani, Clarins, Diane Von Furstenberg, Ferragamo, Kenzo, Roberto Cavalli, and Ted Baker Le Creuset and Havaianas. In Hong Kong, OnTheList now has a permanent venue for its flash sales, but has grown so big it still needs short-term venues, often running multiple sales concurrently.

    OnTheList has now cleared more than 1 million items from its brand partners – and in one four-day sale last year it sold a pair of Havaianas every six seconds.

    OnTheList Singapore will launch with monthly pop-up sales, announcing participating brands just 10 days prior to the sale.

    “We are expanding into Singapore because its retail market has many similarities with Hong Kong’s,” says Lefay.

    OnTheList Singapore also hopes to tap into the large tourism market, as tourism receipts in the city have reached record highs during the past two years.

    “As visitor arrivals from China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam have increased tremendously, it is an opportune time for OnTheList to attract high spenders from the region and to use Singapore as a launchpad for future expansion in Asia and beyond.”

  • Citygate’s Outlets Hong Kong is ready

    Citygate’s Outlets Hong Kong is ready

    Citygate Outlets is ready for the summer.

    With over 80 international brands offering 30% to 70% discounts, the mall has collaborated with brands to bring its customers unique Summer Pop-ups, memorable experiences with special performances and rewards for its most loyal customers.

    Direction New-York for this Summer’s Pop-ups.

    Starting with a fresh breeze of air to break the summer heat, Citygate Outlet is showcasing Kate Spade New York’s Poppy Floral Collection in a Insta-worthy pop-up area. Following Kate Spade and its free popsicles comes Travel Destiny-themed Michael Kors’ pop-up. Popsicles will still be on the menu along with exclusive shopping privileges, heart-shaped balloons and a limited-edition gift, free with any in-store purchase.

    Malls are also engaging in customer experience.

    Citygate Outlets is bringing performers from around the world for a series of lively musical performances. From African master drummers Mamadou and Drum Jam to Japanese percussionist Kumi Masunaga or collaborations with the Ukulele Federation and Hula Association the mall is creating unforgettable instants for its customers. Shoppers will have the opportunity to give a try to playing drums and ukulele with performers and truly feel and live the beats and Hawaiian vibes.

    All the summer essentials are offered at the mall with limited discounts. Customers can get ready from head to toe with Havaianas’ flip-flops up to 40% off, Arena’s and Speedo’s pop-ups featuring swimsuits up to 65% off and all the essential summer accessories with sales promotions on Brands such as luxury watchmaker Breitling or designer sunglasses Optical 88.

    More surprises awaits the mall’s visitors. Indeed, as their shopping session comes to an end, consumers having reached a pre-defined amount of spending on the same day using their credit card or EPS during the promotion period will be eligible to redeem fashionable and practical travel gifts.

    The icing on the cake to end a memorable day.