************************************************************
Italian fashion retailer delights in Hong Kong's vibrant energy and excellent branding opportunities.
Stefanel Hong Kong Limited, today (November 20) announced the opening of its first flagship store in Hong Kong. This move follows the establishment of the brand's new regional headquarters in the city. The Stefanel Group designs and manufactures a distinctive, chic and modern range of women's clothing and accessories with a strong focus on knitwear.
Mr Giuseppe Oliveri, Managing Director of Stefanel Hong Kong Limited said, "Hong Kong is the window onto China. Its location offers easy access to other countries in the region and we benefit from its excellent facilities and transportation links."
"Additionally, the people of Hong Kong are fashionable, independent and stylish – values we reflect in the Stefanel brand. The city is a vibrant metropolis and we hope the creativity, innovation and energy of Hong Kong will find its way back into the company to nurture new designs and collections," Mr Oliveri added.
Mr Simon Galpin, Associate Director-General at Invest Hong Kong, welcomed the company's decision to base their headquarters in Hong Kong. "Hong Kong is one of the brand capitals of the world, offering retailers both regional and global visibility. Additionally, for those wishing to enter the Mainland market, Hong Kong's 13 million Mainland visitors provide companies with a great brand-building platform."
"Retail brands find Hong Kong's multi-faceted appeal tempting – an international city adept at managing cross-border operations, an international procurement centre and a world renowned shopper's paradise," Galpin added.
Stefanel started business as a small knitwear producer outside Venice in 1959. The company is now a major international brand with approximately 700 shops in more than 40 countries and a workforce of over 2,100 worldwide. In Asia, the company has retail outlets in Macau, Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, Thailand and Australia – all of which fall under the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong regional headquarters. For further information: www.stefanel.com.hk.
Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating inward investment into the city by providing the support needed to establish or expand a business presence here. For more information: www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 09:31
NNNN
