While Europe struggles with the effects of its debt crisis, the economic strength of Asia promises a bright future for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton. With 28 years' experience of running a business in Bangkok, the French brand has officially launched its fourth Thai boutique on the ground floor of Siam Paragon.
"We see potential in the Asian market, which is now very strong. During the past few years, Louis Vuitton has opened new branches in Asia including Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and, this September, South Korea," said Jean-Baptiste Debains, Louis Vuitton's Asia-Pacific president.
After opening its flagship at Gaysorn in central Bangkok a decade ago, Louis Vuitton had no plans to open a new branch so close to its existing shop. After three years of researching the Thai market, however, the firm is confident that opening the new branch at Paragon is the right move.
"Fifty per cent of our customers are Thais, and there are many more young customers aged between 20 and 30," said Rachaya Veerapong, general manager of Louis Vuitton Thailand.
So the new branch targets younger customers, while the flagship focuses more on adults who have deep pockets.
The 450-square-metre boutique targets both Thai shoppers and tourists. Designed under the concept of "inspiring journey of discovery", the shop features products for both men and women ranging from its signature luggage line - which continues the work of the traditional French trunk-maker, or malletier - to watches, jewellery, bags and shoes.
The interior of the store has been given a trendier look, while the products are more colourful. The shop also offers an after-sales centre where customers can bring products, which the store will send on to Hong Kong, Singapore or Paris for repair.
The upcoming launch of the Asean Economic Community will benefit Thailand, as it within easy reach of other Asean countries, Debains said, making Thailand a potential site of future expansion for the firm.
Debains praised his Thai customers as "sophisticated", saying the new outlet "testifies to our confidence in the potential of this great city in a development that attracts both locals and tourists from around the world".
Instead of focusing on classic and signature trunks, the new boutique features lifestyle products displayed in a modern interior design with a 30-metre-long interior facade, and glass panels with a floral pattern lit in gallery lighting. Next Friday, the boutique will display works by veteran Japanese artist Kusama Yayoi.
没有评论:
发表评论