China Set to Become Bulgari’s Top Global Market This Year

BEIJING — What China slowdown? Fifteen years after Bulgari opened its first store in mainland China, a tiny 8-square-meter boutique in Beijing’s Peninsula Hotel, business is looking better than ever for the Roman jeweler. On Monday evening, the brand made a big show of opening its “Serpentiform” exhibition in Chengdu, inviting celebrities including Jolin Tsai and Kris Wu to appear on the red carpet. The exhibition will run until August 25 at the Chengdu Museum. Speaking by phone from the Sichuan capital as the event was about to get underway, Bulgari chief executive officer Jean-Christophe Babin revealed why these big investments are worth the cost. “Mainland China will be, in 2019, the number-one world market for Bulgari,” he said. “China continued to grow very fast on a big base already last year, so it will be by the end of the year. The outlook is extremely positive. “We are, according to Hurun Institute, which polls the richest people in the country, the most reputable and desired jewelry brand for rich Chinese,” he continued, “and the most desirable gift brand for a rich Chinese as much as the second best jewelry-watch brand for wealthy Chinese.” Currently, Japan is Bulgari’s leading market. Hong Kong and Macau, if treated

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...

from WWDWWD http://bit.ly/2L9FoWU