Belstaff goes all-out for retail

2006 will be an important year for Clothing Company, the Treviso-based company that produces and sells apparel with the Belstaff label (in addition to Black Prince and Capalbio). After closing 2005 with billings of 50 million euros, the balance sheet forecasts an increase of 20% this year.

According to statements to La Padania by company president Franco Malenotti, the objective will be achieved by acquiring new markets and by developing retail 'with definite openings in Milan, Madrid, New York and Tokyo'. New monobrands will follow the recently- inaugurated store on Conduit Street, London.

'It goes without saying that we will open in the fashion quadrilateral in Milan', Malenotti explained. 'It is the hub of European fashion. The same can be said of Madrid, because the Spanish market is growing, whereas New York and Tokyo are important for our future, they are a point of reference for world expansion'.

'We have had total control of Belstaff for two years now. It is a brand that made fashion history in the 20th century. Millions of motorcyclists wear its jackets, shoes and bags and for some time Belstaff has also been worn in the city, especially by young people', Malenotti added. 'Belstaff jackets maintain their value over time; suffice to think of the Belstaff garments of the Fifties and Sixties that are eagerly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts and are kept like trophies! Nowadays, however, Belstaff also means bags, shoes, eyewear and other accessories'.

For the Caparbio label, too, which should bring in over 3 million of the 60 estimated for 2006, Clothing Company is aiming at a series of stores to be opened in Tuscany: 'After the Florence outlet on Piazza Mercato Nuovo', Balenotti concluded, 'we will open other monobrand spaces in Massa Marittima, Castagneto Carducci, Montalcino and other towns. Then we'll continue, starting with Milan'.

(Source: La Padania)