Emporio Armani will be a winner in India among Italian brands
27 Apr '06
3 min read
Francesco Tombolini, a model of Italian descent is exposed by the relaxed grace with which he flings his jacket over the puffy armchair and settles in and not because of the black, unlined jacket, the red pin-striped shirt or even his stylish, black shoes.
Tombolini also work in second shift with the Italian fashion house, as a commercial director, of Emporio Armani.
After five year stint with Gucci ended in 2004 as according to him, "Armani is a real fashion company while Gucci is a fashion product."
Tombolini airs, "They are two companies with two different philosophies about industry and life, Armani is just more Italian."
In spite of a long list of luxury brands that have existence in India, the ' Italian brand' has created a buzz in the Indian luxury market.
Tombolini says he is not in a hurry, but the company will certainly establish its presence — he sees a period of a year or two as feasible and is not worried about being a late competitor.
"We do not see India as a cash cow. The market is fresh and there is space for everyone. It is a market we have been exploring for a long time and thinking whether we want to enter directly, or as a third party or through the franchisee route. It should happen within a year," says Tombolini.
The retail strategy entails opening of four stores in two cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
Besides the flagship, Giorgio Armani brand, Tombolini expects Emporio Armani will end up a winner in India, just as in China.