Monday 11 February 2013

BREO CONTINUES TO EXPAND TRAVEL RETAIL BUSINESS AND ENJOYS SUCCESS WITH HIPPIE CHIC WATCH

Hippie Chic , the leather watch bracelet introduced exclusively for travel retail from lifestyle brand Breo, has been extremely well received with extensive listings achieved in a very short time. Capitalising on the hippie/BoHo trend, this real leather bracelet has an antique-look watch face in various styles and is adorned with metal charms and decorations.




In line with the current bracelet ‘stacking’ trend, the Hippie Chic watch carries a fantastic price point of just £10/€13 and offers something different to other watches on the market. Says Breo Global Travel Retail Sales Manager Alison Fishwick: ‘We’ve already achieved listings with Easyjet, Thomson, Iberia, Air Caraibes, Condor, BA, Virgin Atlantic, Air Berlin and, through Iris, nine Turkish airlines. As the Hippie Chic was a very late addition to our offer for this year, we’re delighted to have achieved such a great result – and more are waiting on confirmation. Easyjet has already asked us to work on a cream version for launch in the summer alongside the current one, which is a great confidence booster for its expected success.’

A full range of Hippie Chic models, including double-packs with an additional bracelet to increase the retail price where necessary, will be launched at TFWA Asia Pacific this year – where Breo is a first time exhibitor.

The success with Hippie Chic is just one excellent result for Breo, whose business is continuing to expand following its first appearance at TFWA World Exhibition last year. New business has been gained inflight with Aeroflot and Iris for both watches and sunglasses, while Inflight Service Europe has taken on the Roam Twist and three Classic watch models, whilst continuing with the Uptone sunglasses and Travel Speakers.




Excellent progress has also been made with ground shops, a new focus for Breo, with listings for the sunglasses range over Easter with Nuance through Zurich, Geneva, Arlanda, Toulouse and Lisbon airports. ‘We’re really excited to announce this; it’s a great step forward for our ground store business,’ continues Fishwick. Nuance UK has listed Breo sunglasses at its airport stores in Manchester, Cardiff and Prestwick and is now adding watches to the latter two outlets. ‘Initial sales of sunglasses have been extremely encouraging and outperforming our expectations, so we’re delighted,’ says Fishwick.

UK airports Blackpool, Derry, Southend and Norwich plus Condor Ferries are all now listing Breo products through Ocean Trading, the UK wholesale arm of Nuance. ‘Ocean Trading has done an excellent job for us over the past year and we’re hoping to double our business with them in 2013,’ continues Fishwick.

Elsewhere, business has been gained for watches and sunglasses at airports in Nairobi and Congo through Suzan, with excellent initial results and regular repeat orders, while six military bases are now being supplied globally through EsKo. ‘Our affordable, bright and fun Breo sunglasses and watches are perfect for the military, either as a treat for themselves or as a gift for someone at home,’ continues Fishwick. The brand is also now listed with International Diplomatic Supplies (IDS).


Last year was tough, but we managed to not only hold our existing listings and increase our business in many areas, particularly for our sunglasses,’ says Alison Fishwick. ‘We took on a number of new airlines, including Saudi Air, significantly improved our business with Asiana and KAL and continued to build great relationships with UK airlines, for example we will now have 3 skus with Easyjet this year.

With growing distribution on the ground, and several new airlines coming onstream for 2013, we’re very confident of seeing growth in both volume and value sales this year. We’re very much looking forward to exhibiting at TFWA Asia Pacific in May, where we will be introducing further exciting and innovative new lines taking Breo onto another level.’


About Breo: Breo aims to offer an inspired portfolio of lifestyle products synonymous with quality and innovation that appeal to consumers looking for something different.

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. 

February 2013

Friday 8 February 2013

NEW VENUE FOR TFWA ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2013

The venue for the 2013 TFWA Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition has been changed to the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore. The dates remain unchanged: 12th to 16th May 2013.


The change became necessary when at the end of last week TFWA was notified by the new management of the Singapore Suntec Centre that the major refurbishment and extension of the centre which was initiated in May last year would not be finished in time for the TFWA event in May.

Faced with this serious problem the TFWA team has been working flat out to resolve the unfortunate situation and, in spite of the very short time since the news was received, has managed to find an alternative at the Marina Bay Sands.

The Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center, is an impressive new conference, hotel, and entertainment development facing Marina Bay in central Singapore. The exhibition hall there will accommodate all confirmed exhibitors, which to date total 235 – an increase of 6% over the same stage in 2012.

The conference and workshops programme, as well as the popular One2One pre-arranged meeting service, will also take place in the Marina Bay Sands. The social and networking programme will be staged as originally planned.

Erik Juul-Mortensen, President TFWA: “we remain committed to stage a highly successful event in May although it is obvious that, given the huge complexity of this move, there is still a vast number of issues to be considered and answers to be given. However, TFWA is relieved that, despite the last minute change forced upon us by these extraordinary circumstances, we have been able to secure superb facilities in central Singapore for TFWA Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition for the same dates as originally announced. This means that participants will be able to conduct their business as usual, retaining their original hotel and flight arrangements, without disruption to an already busy calendar.

We are acutely aware that a change of venue at such a late stage is very unsettling and we profoundly regret the inconvenience that this has and will cause. We will continue addressing all the issues to secure a smooth transition to the new venue and to do whatever we can to minimise the inconvenience.”

Pre-registration for TFWA Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition will open at www.tfwa.com on 6th March 2013.

Ends


For further information please contact
TFWA Press Office – Kate Teagle Tel: +44 1784 434 666

MAJOR CHINESE AIRPORTS SIGN UP FOR INDUSTRY CONFERENCE ON CHINA AS REGISTRATION HOTS UP


Senior executives from many of the largest international airports in China will be among delegates at the Industry Conference on China, organised by TFWA in partnership with the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association, which will be staged from 5th to 7th March, 2013 in the Beijing Hotel, Beijing.

To date, over 230 executives from 131 companies have confirmed that they will attend including delegates from 20 duty free and travel retail operator companies and representatives from major international airports in China, such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou Baiyun, Hubei Airport Group, HNA Airport Holding Group, Shenzhen and Xi’an Xianyang.

In addition, Beijing Capital International Airport will be present as the official host of the event and Dong Zhiyi, Executive Chairman of the Board, BCIA will welcome delegates to the conference. Later in the programme BCIA’s Vice President, Wei Zhang, will be a keynote speaker.

Potential delegates are urged to register immediately for this inaugural Industry Conference on China, which is entitled ‘China’s Century: The Fast Pace of Change in China Duty Free & Travel Retail’, so that visa formalities can be completed in time. Registration remains open until 21st February at www.tfwa.com.

A fascinating programme packed with luminaries of the local business community as well as industry experts awaits them. In addition, delegates will have the opportunity to meet key airport executives in meetings arranged either directly, through the One2One pre-arranged meeting service or informally during a spectacular programme of social events.

An Opening Cocktail will be held on Tuesday, 5th March at Tai Miao Imperial Ancestral Temple, an historic site just outside the Forbidden City, where sacrificial ceremonies were held at festivals during both the Ming and Qing dynasties in honour of the imperial family's ancestors. The event is being sponsored by DFS and Patrόn Spirits.

The Gala Dinner on Wednesday 6th, sponsored by King Power Group (Hong Kong), will be a glamorous occasion staged in the Golden Hall of the Beijing Hotel and featuring a theatrical performance depicting the history of China.

The business lunch on Wednesday will be provided by DFS and that on Thursday by Furla, offering an opportunity to network in comfort. The refreshments during the busy two-day programme will be provided by Chivas, Ferrero, Perfetti van Melle and Toblerone.

Full details of the programme, the One2One meetings service, the social events, registration and the hotel booking service can be found at http://www.tfwa.com/duty_free/China-s-Century-Conference.17.0.html

The partners supporting the event are Diamond and Gala Dinner sponsor King Power Group (Hong Kong); Diamond sponsor Patrόn Spirits; Platinum and lunch sponsor DFS; Gold sponsor Puig; Silver sponsor Sunglass Hut; lunch sponsor Furla; coffee break sponsors Chivas, Ferrero, Perfetti Van Melle and Toblerone; other sponsors Colorful Licenses International, Kipling and Lacoste.

Ends


For further information please contact
TFWA Press Office – Kate Teagle Tel: +44 1784 434 666


Thursday 7 February 2013

FURLA APPOINTS NEW TRAVEL RETAIL MANAGER FOR ASIA PACIFIC


Premium accessories brand Furla has announced the appointment of Vivian Li as its Travel Retail Manager Asia Pacific effective February 4. She replaces Javy Wong who left the company at the end of last year.

Based in Hong Kong, Vivian brings almost five years experience in store management and merchandising to Furla, latterly with DFS Group where she was Assistant Merchandise Manager (Fragrances), Global Merchandising, Hong Kong. Here she managed a US$200m assortment, developing and executing strategies across 37 brands in 72 locations covering 14 countries for both downtown and airport shops.

Prior to joining DFS last year she spent three years as Product Sales Manager (Beauty) with City of Dreams Macau.

Furla Travel Retail Director Gerry Munday commented: ‘I am delighted to welcome Vivian to the Furla travel retail team. Her experience in store management and merchandising will be extremely beneficial in our ongoing mission to develop our airport retail business across Asia.

Asia remains a vitally important region for the brand; we currently have 23 travel retail locations open in this market and are looking to increase that to 30 in 2013.

Vivian can be contacted on vivian.li@furla.com.

Trade enquiries: Gerry Munday, Travel Retail Director. Tel: +34 609 173 706. Email: gerry.munday@furla.com www.furla.com
Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Tel: +44 (0) 208 405 8109. Fax: +44 (0) 208 405 0330. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org
February 2013


Wednesday 6 February 2013

William Grant & Viking Line take whisky onboard

William Grant & Sons and Viking Line is delighted to announce the opening of the new Whisky-cask-shaped shop, “Whisky Emporium” onboard the brand new ship “Viking Grace.”






The “Whisky Emporium,” situated within the world's biggest floating tax-free shop at 1,500m2, will give consumers the opportunity to sample/taste whisky at the new permanent tasting tables supported with brand information and tasting notes. They can also get a unique insiders look into the history and workings of the Glenfiddich Distillery by watching the Glenfiddich Distillery Expierience movie; which will be showed on screens in the shop.

Says Anneli Sjoblom, Brand Manager Nordic Travel Retail & Norway Domestic: “This is a fantastic opportunity for William Grant & Sons to showcase its pioneering strength, whilst highlighting Glenfiddich as 'The World's Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky.” The brands invoved will be Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Grant's and Tullamore Dew.

The Viking Grace represents a totally new generation of ships where modern design, future concepts, high standard of services and an overall environmental consciousness characterize the whole project. It is the world's first large passenger vessel to be powered by liquified natural gas, the cleanest fossil fuel available today.

We are very pleased to be cooperating with William Grant & Sons on this project,” says Viking Line Tax Free Manager Sales and Purchasing Kim Engblom. “The Whisky Emporium takes tax free shopping to a whole new dimension, and with the commitment shown by WGS in engaging and interacting with the consumer onboard, we are confident of excellent feedback and results.”

The Viking Grace began service on January 15 and will be routing the Baltic Sea between Stockholm, Mariehamn Aland and Turku Finland.


Press contact: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org
February 2013
Notes to Editor
About William Grant & Sons
William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1886. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Milagro® Tequila and, most recently, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.


Friday 1 February 2013

RAPID GROWTH AT FURLA


Turnover in 2012 was 18% higher than in 2011.
It has risen by 35% in the last two years.
The expansion in Asia Pacific and the development of
travel retail and e-commerce have been instrumental in this.



Furla is experiencing a period of rapid growth with a 2012 turnover of €212 million*, an 18% increase from 2011, which was also an excellent year for the brand. The figures also indicate a positive trend in profit with a 28% increase in the company’s profit margin. In 2012 EBITDA reached 15% (equal to €32 million), compared to 14% the previous year.

The performance of foreign turnover saw a notable increase from 2011, accounting for 76% of total turnover, proof that the core of the business is increasingly shifting towards international markets. The Italian market, with 24%, also continues to fare well.
.
The expansion in the Asia Pacific markets and the development of travel retail and e-commerce were decisive factors in meeting these significant targets.

In Asia Pacific, where the most attractive and rapidly developing emerging markets for the fashion business are concentrated, Furla has developed a very dynamic and incisive market penetration strategy. A good example of its policy of expansion is its entry into Thailand thanks to the agreement with the prestigious Thai partner, Central Marketing Group (CMG), the distribution division of the multinational Central Group. Marking the start of the agreement was the opening of the first Furla flagship store in Bangkok. Further proof of Furla’s growing presence in the Asia Pacific region was the inauguration of the first mono-brand store in Mumbai, India.

Another key area of development is travel retail, which has witnessed a 93% increase in turnover from the previous year. Today Furla distributes its special unisex Business Travel collection in 35 countries, with a total of 120 stores in major airports around the world.

If sales are moving increasingly swiftly, both the contribution of e-commerce, which has seen a 158% increase, and the widespread diffusion of the brand on an international scale can be said to play a key role. Today, Furla is present in 71 countries with 5 subsidiaries in France, Hong Kong, Japan and the United States. 80% of distribution is retail, with 320 mono-brand stores (156 Furla boutiques and 164 authorised retailers), and 20% wholesale through 1290 select multi-brand and department stores.

The 2012 financial results show that the Bolognese company’s strategies are clearly working. This is a company which, although still wholly owned by the Furlanetto family after more than 80 years, has distinguished itself with an efficient and modern managerial structure.

For Furla, being an evolved, international business also means sharing its new successes – all the more meaningful in times of crisis – with all its employees.All the people from around the world who have helped contribute to the growth of the company through their work received a bonus in 2012 for the 2011 profit of € 1.5 million.

For Furla, proof of development and success is giving work to 925 people worldwide. No fewer than 95% of these are woman, spread across 71 different countries. This female quota is even more significant in an international context where women are increasingly becoming victims of the drop in employment. Furla has firmly established itself as a woman’s company, not only because its products are expressly designed for and targeted at women, but also for its investment in them on a professional level.

*end of period forecast.

Furla to open 100 new Boutiques in Greater China Establishes Joint Venture with the Fung Group*

Hong Kong, 1st February 2013 – Italian premium leather goods and fashion accessories retailer Furla plans to open over 100 boutiques over the next four years in more than 40 cities in Greater China, the Bologna based family-owned company announced today. Furla has teamed up with the Fung Group through Fung Capital Asia, the private strategic investment arm of the families of Victor and William Fung, to tap the growing demand of Chinese consumers for products of distinction with a strong heritage.


As part of Furla’s strategy to expand in Greater China, the company launched its first new retail concept store in Hong Kong in August 2012 and negotiated the early takeover of distribution rights from previous local partners. From February 1, 2013, Furla will manage distribution in Hong Kong, Macau, and China through its joint venture with the Fung Group, in which Furla holds a majority equity stake. The company recorded exponential growth in Asia, with seventy six percent of its 2012 turnover coming from international markets.

Giovanna Furlanetto, the President of Furla, said: “We wanted to boost our development in Greater China following the successful launch last year of our new retail concept in Hong Kong and the strong response from Chinese consumers to our current network of 20 directly owned stores.”

She added: “In Fung Group, we have found a partner whose pedigree is similar to ours. We are both family-owned companies with a proud heritage – 106 years for the Fung Group and 86 years for Furla – with similar values and a vision to bring the highest quality products to the discerning Chinese consumer.”

Dr. Victor Fung, Chairman of the Fung Group, said: “We have great respect for the Furla business culture and we look forward to developing the Furla brand together with our retail businesses."

Jose Cheng, Managing Director of Fung Capital Asia, added: "China’s expanding premium fashion market represents tremendous potential for Furla with its emphasis on quality and contemporary design underlined by timeless elegance and authentic Italian craftsmanship.”


-end-



*Note to editors: The joint venture is NOT with Li & Fung Limited SEHK Code 0494, and also unrelated to any of the other Fung Group’s listed companies.

About Furla

An Italian, family-owned company founded by Aldo Furlanetto in 1927 in Bologna, Furla currently distributes to 71 countries, with 320 single brand boutiques, 1290 points of sales in department stores and specialised stores, 5 subsidiaries in the USA, France, Japan, Hong Kong and Korea, as well as distributing online through its own e-boutique on www.furla.com.

About Fung Group

Fung Holdings (1937) Limited, a privately held business entity headquartered in Hong Kong, is the major shareholder of the Fung group of companies, whose core businesses are engaged in trading, logistics, distribution and retailing.

Li & Fung Limited (SEHK: 00494) operates three core businesses: on the one hand, it designs, develops and sources consumer products for retailers worldwide, and on the other, it operates extensive logistics and distribution networks serving major brands globally.

Fung Retailing Limited operates the Group’s fourth core business of retailing which includes convenience stores and bakeries through Convenience Retail Asia Limited (SEHK: 00831), high-end menswear through Trinity Limited (SEHK: 00891), and privately held businesses: Branded Lifestyle Holdings Limited, operator of a retail network of middle-zone apparel and accessories in Asia; Fung Kids (Holdings) Limited, focusing on children’s apparel, footwear and accessories; and Toys“R”Us Asia, operating the toys and children product specialty chain store Toys“R”Us in Asia.

The Fung Group employs over 41,000 men and women across 40 economies worldwide, with a total revenue of over US$21.14 billion in 2011.


JCI CONTINUES TO EXPAND INFLIGHT WITH ONTREND JEWELLERY COLLECTIONS

JCI Jewellery continues to be an enthusiastic supporter of the ISPY (Inflight Sales Person of the Year) event, where this year it showed its latest Aeon collections to airline crew from all over the world.


It’s a wonderful event and this year has been bigger and better than ever,’ says JCI consultant Jeannie Archer. ‘It gives us an unparalleled opportunity to gain feedback on our product range from the people that really matter – eg the sales crew – while the trademarket on the last morning enabled us to translate that feedback into conversations with buyers.’

Highlights of the Aeon collection for 2013 bring together trends for sterling silver, crystal and coloured beads, charms, and pieces that include symbols of peace, health and happiness. All are exclusive to travel retail and are presented in special AEON gift boxes with a full year’s guarantee.

Blue & Green Bead Bracelet by Aeon. An elegant and eye-catching silver plated bead bracelet (JC1021/A) with a unique Aeon white heart charm designed to represent kindness, openness and truth. Striking bevelled blue beads are complimented by patterned aqua green beads, together representing health and harmony. This exclusive bracelet comes complete with several other carefully selected charms and features a concealed clasp.

Alternating 5pcs Clear Crystal bead bracelet by Aeon. This high quality AEON unisex crystal and natural stone beaded bracelet (JC1048/A) is part of a growing trend of jewellery that incorporates the healing properties of natural stones into fashion jewellery design. A renowned symbol of peace, tranquillity & happiness, five individual crystals are strung along with natural stone to create an eye catching and unique design.

Pavé-set Heart bracelet by Aeon. A glittering Aeon crystal pavé-set heart bracelet designed to catch the eye as well as the imagination (JC1055). Effortlessly elegant, this bracelet is a modern version of a classical t-bar design with its brilliant white crystals set into a 9ct gold plated puff heart. It is striking in its simplicity.

These pieces support a range of sterling silver, silver-dipped and gold-dipped jewellery, all of which are only available inflight. Best sellers over the past year have been a sterling silver ball and earring set and a large clear Austrian crystal ball pendant. Rose gold is also seen as a growing trend and pieces have been introduced to reflect this demand.

Archer believes the success of the AEON collection lies in its ability to meet current trends with pieces that offer excellent value for money without compromising on quality. ‘The jewellery market inflight is increasingly competitive and, in today’s environment, it is essential that we offer pieces to suit all budgets, whilst maintaining quality and service,’ says JCI consultant Jeannie Archer. ‘Offering pieces that are on-trend and, at the same time, exclusive to travel retail, is key. We’re finding that demand in the region where we’re most active – eg Europe – is for medium priced lines, which are ideal for impulse self-purchase or as gifts for loved ones.’

Based in Co Tyrone, N Ireland, JCI Jewellery has established a sound business for the Aeon brand of sterling silver, silver-dipped and gold-dipped jewellery with listings on airlines including British Airways, Aer Lingus, Thomas Cook, Monarch, Easy Jet UK, Jet 2, Flybe, Aeroflot, and Tourvest for Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways and Kenya Airways, Condor, Air Berlin, and Tui Germany. The past year has seen new business agreements in Scandinavia with SAS and the company is now looking to develop further into the Eastern bloc and North Africa whilst consolidating its existing contracts.

We’re also happy to develop specific pieces that are exclusive to airlines,’ continues Archer. ‘For example for South African Airways we have designed a special gold and black crystal hematite bracelet which we have high hopes for.’

Enquiries:

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.
January 2013