Ron Sneijers
Object of the future: http://blog.sneijers.net/shanghaitanglogo.jpg
http://blog.sneijers.net/uploaded_images/shanghaitangfashion-706212.jpg
New: Rising fashion brand Shanghai Tang? Shanghai Tang has learned from its past mistakes--and now it's gunning to become China's first great luxury brand. Forget about cheap socks and DVD players. This is the next battlefield for global competition.
Replace: The haute couture apparel industry is for many years dominated by brands from the Western world. Well known brands like Gucci, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Armani, Prada, etc. are setting the pace in this high-end industry segment. In the upcoming ten years I foresee a major shift in fashion style and major fashion brands. Along with the shift in the global arena where the world becomes more integrated and interrelated with each other, the four biggest emerging markets China, India, Brazil and Russia according to The Economist are standing at the door steps to capture a stake in the haute couture apparel industry. Emerging fashion designers especially in Asian countries like China and India are getting lots of attention from the outside world; among them some are seen as the next rising fashion stars.
Change: The key for Shanghai Tang will be to follow in the tradition of established luxury labels associated with a specific national aesthetic. Labels like Armani, Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Fendi have long symbolised streamlined Italian style. Chanel embodies Parisian elegance. With its booming sales, Shanghai Tang has the chance to become the Chanel of China.
Growth: Worldwide sales have grown 43% in the last year, and American sales (at boutiques in New York and Honolulu) are up 50%. In 2005, new stores opened in Zurich, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Currently, two more, in Beijing and Milan, are set to open in 2006. They expect to have 30 stores by the end of 2007.
References:
Shanghai Tang: A Taste of China http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/nov2005/id20051130_575911.htm
Richemont in a Rut http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_29/b3842138_mz034.htm
Emerging economies - Climbing back http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5420756
Emerging economies – Grow up http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=E1_PNRGVQV
Emerging economies - Coming of age http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=E1_VQTTJSS