Sales by distribution channel reported a significant growth of “Geox Shop” channel, up 42% compared to the same period of 2006. At the end of the first half of 2007, this channel represented 27% of sales.
At the end of June, sales of DOS (Directly Operated Stores) opened for at least 12 months (comparable store sales) increased by 16%.
Multibrand shops still represent the Group's main distribution channel, accounting for 73% of sales as compared to 76% of the same period of 2006, with a 23% growth.
In Italy the multibrand channel generated 63% of sales, for a total of Euro 91.8 million, with a 9% increase. The Geox Shop channel represents the remaining 37% of domestic sales for a total of Euro 54.2 million, with a 21% increase.
In the International markets, the multibrand channel represents 80% of sales for a total of Euro 193.0 million, up 30%. The Geox Shop channel reported sales of Euro 49.1, million with a 75% increase.
As of June 30, 2007 the overall number of Geox Shop was 606 (485 of which franchising and 121 DOS). During the first half of 2007, 89 new Geox Shops were opened, of which 6 in Italy, 32 in Europe and 2 in the US. The new openings include, among the others, shops in: London, Los Angeles, Montreal, Toronto, Tokyo, Singapore, Moscow.