Kurt Geiger, Europe’s largest luxury shoe specialist, today announced in November a joint venture with Landmark Gulf Group. The deal with Landmark Gulf Group will result in up to 30 Kurt Geiger stores across the Gulf region within 5 years
2 Kurt Geiger stores will open in Dubai in early spring 2008 with a subsequent roll-out across the region
This is the first time Kurt Geiger has ventured into franchising and The Kurt Geiger stores will offer own label collections for men and women and reflect the design and identity of Kurt Geiger’s UK freestanding stores
The partnership further strengthens Kurt Geiger’s international presence in the luxury shoe and accessories marketNeil Clifford, CEO of Kurt Geiger, commented: "We are delighted to have signed the agreement with Landmark Gulf Group whose expertise and knowledge of the market place is unrivalled. As the largest retailer of luxury footwear in Europe, Kurt Geiger already trade successfully throughout the UK, Italy and Paris and we see the Gulf Region as a natural progression in the international growth of our business.”
Micky Jagtiani, Chairman of Landmark Gulf Group, commented: "As the region's most successful footwear retailer, Landmark is proud to bring Kurt Geiger Brand to the Gulf. We feel very confident that their products will be well received by our consumers and will add to our significant retail presence in the region.”
Manu Jeswani, CEO of Shoe Mart footwear division of Landmark Gulf Group commented: "We are very pleased to have secured this relationship with one of the foremost luxury footwear brands in the world as it fills a previously unfulfilled niche in our portfolio. From our perspective, Kurt Geiger's entry in the Middle East represents a significant shift in the region's market dynamics as customers of luxury shoes now have the option of choosing one of their favourites, which they could not do previously."
Kurt Geiger successfully launched into the international markets in 2005 in partnership with Printemps, Paris. The outlet is already profitable and has doubled in size with a dedicated space for the Kurt Geiger brands as well as Prada, Roger Vivier, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs and Chloe.
Kurt Geiger is also the strategic partner for La Rinascente store group in Italy and is the exclusive operator of the men’s and women’s luxury shoe business. The Milan multi-branded flagship store has recently opened followed by Kurt Geiger own label concessions in Padova and Cagliari. It is anticipated that the roll-out programme has the potential for a further 17 stores throughout Italy.
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