Friday 13 November 2009

The Japanese Shun Hermes For H&M – 13/11/09

As Versace shuts up shop in Japan (see the MO Down for 8 October) and Hermes sees a significant sales slump (see the MO Down for 25 September), low cost Swiss fashion chain H&M moves in to reap the benefits.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, Japanese sales of H&M have been steadily increasing all year. This week, the company plans to unveil its first full Japanese "concept" store in Shinjuku, which will feature men's, women's and children's clothes as well as its new Jimmy Choo collaboration shoe line (see the MO Down for 18 June for our report on this joint project.)

H&M's Japan Country Manager, Christine Edman, says, "Caring about value and quality has been in Japan for a long time, but it's more pronounced now because of the recession. The Japanese know that lower prices do not mean bad quality."

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Who's behind the MO DOWN

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