Dolce & Gabbana unveils new Bangkok downtown duty-free store with King Power
Dolce & Gabbana has expanded its offer in the flourishing Asia Pacific downtown duty-free market with a new opening at the King Power Rangnam mall in Bangkok, in association with King Power. The new pop-up space allows the brand to leverage its standout storytelling and experience creation to craft a truly engaging and unique opportunity […]
Why different business models make comparing luxury brand results an impossible task
By Marco Passoni The recent H1 financial results of luxury brands have been the talk of the market recently, especially with the apparent slowdown in the sector around the world. However, it’s important to approach these discussions with a clear understanding of the nuances involved. Brand image and perception are paramount in the luxury sector, […]
Store Wars: How the luxury sector is building its future
By Marco Passoni When it comes to buying property the rule, they say, is ‘location, location, location’. The same is certainly true for luxury, but there is another important rule too: image is everything. Big luxury players do not want to be outdone by their rivals, and that is why today we are seeing luxury […]
The Real Value of Branding: How great storytelling makes a difference in modern luxury
By Marco Passoni I have long been an outspoken advocate for incredible branding and storytelling. I make no secret of the fact that I truly believe this truly the key to success in the modern luxury sector – and the wider retail market. A while ago, I wrote that I am not longer talking about […]
China’s luxury pricing problem is about to get worse
By Marco Passoni I read with interest this week the news that inbound international tourism in China has risen 305% according to the government in the first quarter of 2024. Outbound traffic from China has always been a talking point for both the travel retail and luxury sectors, but this influx of arrivals in China […]
A change is coming as Alessandro Michele joins Valentino
By Marco Passoni Although it was in the air, the news broke just before the weekend that Alessandro Michele has found his new home after leaving Gucci late last in 2022. Despite rumours linking him to Fendi and Bulgari, he begins his new role as Creative Director at Valentino today. It is a decision which […]
The keys to unlocking a desirable and engaging brand experience in 2024
By Marco Passoni There is no doubt that brands are working hard in both the luxury and travel retail sectors in 2024, but I increasingly find myself asking if, in travel retail certainly, they are working in the right way. Or even, are some working as hard as they claim? Think back to your last […]
Louis Vuitton The Place and why in-store experience needs some real innovation
By Marco Passoni Is there a better example of a brilliant physical retail experience than LV The Place from Louis Vuitton, which opened its doors in Bangkok last week? Not merely a restaurant, bar, or a run-of-the-mill luxury store, this stunning space breaks down and disregards traditional boundaries to embody elements of each in what […]
Race to the top: Why travel retail is running out of space for luxury’s biggest players
By Marco Passoni There is a problem coming in the travel retail luxury sector – and it is hiding in plain sight. Luxury has never been more important to travel retail and brands of all sizes are recognising the vital role this market can play in their global storytelling and engagement efforts. On the surface, […]
Why these 6 brands are doing Chinese New Year right in 2024
By Marco Passoni Chinese New Year has become one of the biggest retail opportunities of the year. It is a time when the Chinese travel and shop in great quantities – and before the pandemic it was a vital period for travel retail and luxury alike. This year, with almost 12 months gone since the […]
