Longchamp expands retail operations
French luxury leather goods brand Longchamp is continuing to expand its retail operations with the opening of a new store in Madrid later this month (end May). This will be its first ‘stand-alone’ outlet in Spain, although its products are already sold in a significant number of stores in the country, including El Corte Inglés
According to marketing director, Marie-Benedicte Verspieren, Longchamp is becoming ‘more and more a global brand’ and now sells to stores in over 70 countries. Longchamp has 57 of its own shops around the world retailing its fashion handbags, stylish leather and nylon luggage, belts and small leather goods, most of which are produced in its factories in France. The company is also planning to expand its retail business in the United States where it currently has three of its own stores, by opening two more by the end of this year.
Longchamp’s commitment to innovative design and leather craftsmanship, and its continuing focus on introducing interesting new materials to its collections, are ensuring fast growth for the company. Turnover increased by 30 per cent in 2001, to 140 million euros, following the pattern established over the last few years for growth to be measured in double figures. In spite of subdued sales in some Far Eastern markets, including Japan and Korea, and in the Caribbean, and flat business at airport stores, resulting from fewer people travelling following the events of September 11, the trend in sales for Longchamp still ‘looks good’, says Mme. Verspieren.
