Gucci Group: excellent quarter to top excellent year In a challenging currency environment, Gucci Group continued to outperform its sector in a healthy global luxury goods environment. Gucci Group achieved a 15% jump in comparable revenues in the full year and posted an increase of over 14% in the fourth quarter on top of challenging comparable in 2006. Gucci Group opened 40 new stores in 2007, bringing its network to 494 directly-operated stores at year end. The fourth quarter was marked by sharp growth in sales of Fashion and Leather Goods (up 19%) and accelerated growth in Asia-Pacific outside of Japan (+38%): in this region, Gucci Group generated 18% of its revenues. Sales were up 18% in North America, 9% in Europe and 2% in Japan.
Gucci: Momentous year-end performance Gucci's growth momentum continued in the fourth quarter with a 13% increase in revenues, closing the year with an 11% comparable increase. Nearly all product categories posted double-digit growth in the quarter. The brand pursued its international expansion, notably in emerging markets where Gucci revenues jumped by 39% in the quarter to account for 26% of the total. The brand's remarkable growth in the fourth quarter in China (up 130%) and Hong Kong (up 40%) as well as Korea (up 26%) should also be pointed out. Gucci's network included 233 stores at the end of 2007, four of which were opened in the fourth quarter.