Moncler’s own retail network drives growth in first quarter

By

Dominique Muret

Published
May 30, 2013

The Moncler group started 2013 under a good star, growing 4.4% in the first three months with revenues of 171.7 million euros. These results were released in early May by Eurazeo, the French investment company that purchased a 45% share in the company in June 2011 before paring it down to 32.3%.

The clothing group especially benefited from the good results of its famous down jacket brand, which posted 125.6 million euros in sales for the first quarter 2013, an increase of 16.2%. However, the company’s sportswear division was down 18.3% to revenues of 46.1 million euros. The division groups together the brands Henry Cotton’s, Marina Yachting, Coast+Weber+Ahaus and the 18CRR81 Cerruti license.

Since May 1, the group’s operations have been split into two separate companies — Moncler, which is readying for an IPO, and Sportswear Industries, slated to be put up for sale.


The Moncler down jacket brand is growing, but to a lesser extent compared to the first quarter of 2012 when its sales jumped 36%. This slowdown is due to “the continued decline in the number of multi-brand sales outlets, particularly in Italy, and the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations,” said Eurazeo in a statement.

Moncler sales especially grew within its own network of stores, which accounted for 53% of brand sales in the first quarter, compared to 45% for the same period in 2012. Sales from the retail channel rose 36% in the first three months of the year, while sales in the multi-brand network remained virtually stable (+1%).

“Solid performances were reported in all geographical areas, with the exception of Italy, where the reduced number of multi-brand sales outlets could not be entirely offset by the organic growth in directly-operated stores and new openings," said the brand.

At the end of March 2013, the brand’s retail network comprised 83 directly operated stores. The brand is also preparing to open a second boutique in Milan’s luxury shopping district in the via Montenapoleone.