Sunday, 15 March 2009

Gucci Under Threat From Chinese Boycott – 3/3/09

As tensions rise in Tibet, there are fears that luxury retailers, like the LVMH group, may once again come under fire.

Last year, protestors called for a boycott against LVMH after French politicians criticised China’s Tibet policy. Thousands of Chinese protestors also targeted French retailer Carrefour and picketed its shops in six cities.

This year, pressure is building once more and the latest target could be Gucci. According to a Business Week article, a Xinhua columnist pushed for a boycott, saying, “There’s no reason that Chinese people should choose to buy Gucci which sponsors ‘Free Tibet’ movements.”

Even though Gucci claims they are “not concerned about the possibility of a boycott”, they are likely to watch their step in the future. Like the rest of the luxury industry, they can’t afford to lose the lucrative Chinese market.

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Melinda O’Rourke is the founder and Director of MO Luxury, a dynamic, Sydney-based management firm specialising in luxury brands and services. Melinda and her associates at MO work with local and international brands across prestige retail, fashion, fine jewellery, timepieces and specialised services. Melinda is well-connected, well-read, and well-versed in the demands of the luxury market and its client base. Her advice is firmly based in objectivity and ultimately, accountability. Melinda offers constructive counsel and both strategic and creative thinking and is able to draw upon a strong network of specialised talent to compliment the MO Luxury team as needed. Melinda enjoys excellent industry relationships and is regularly quoted in the business and fashion media. Read more about MO Luxury, www.moluxury.com.au