This to put in place a new generation of craftsmen

The Italian leather Bottega Veneta has stated, quarter after quarter, as one of the most spectacular reminders in the universe of luxury for two years, and one of the new nuggets of Gucci Group and PPR. Artisan know-how of the company from Vicenza in leather braiding was awakened by the artistic Tomas Maier Director and brand without logo is now a dimension "lifestyle". With products that cost 40 euros for an ambience perfume to 75,000 euros for a large cabas braided crocodile, the President of Bottega Veneta, Patrizio Di Marco, is 200 million euros of turnover this year and think beyond term the 500 million.

Bottega Veneta sales increased by 77 in the first quarter. Will the growth continue at this rate

The fact that Bottega Veneta was last year, a leap in sales more of 60, to EUR 160 million, and has cleared 14 million operating income shows that success is real. After four years of work, the brand reached profitability two years in advance on the date set by the CEO of Gucci Group, Robert Polet, in its strategic plan. Bottega Veneta was also double the level of its 2004 sales in three years. We will reach or even exceed this objective of EUR 200 million in sales this year, so in advance also, as of course profitable.

What is the potential of the brand

Bottega Veneta is a niche brand, aimed at a small part of the luxury market, the top of range. Our client is part of the elite, is a connoisseur, is demanding and want the best quality. It is therefore very important to remain ourselves and there are limits to our growth. Our products must remain rare and we do not want to be everywhere, but we still 86 stores in the world. My priority now is to transform a brand of leather goods in a lifestyle brand and our artistic director, Tomas Maier, always surprise me by new product ideas. Therefore, I have no concerns in the short, medium and long term on the ability of Bottega Veneta to develop. The mark could reach 500 million euros of turnover, perhaps more. Being a brand of niche doesn't mean in any case remain small. Sales of Hermes, the offer remains very exclusive reach much of 1.4 billion.

What investments accompany this development

The Group Gucci and PPR have always supported us. For distribution, most investment has been made between summer 2002 and December 2003. Over this period, 28 stores were open. We opened 18 stores in 2005. And for the coming years, the number of openings is set. We wish to extend our network, including by the franchise in the Middle East and Asia, open more big and enlarge existing shops to show all of our offer. It is the case in particular to the Japan where our 37 shops are an average of 65 to 75 square metres, which is limited to the market. We will also complete the implementation of our new "concept" in all of our points of sale. It is 70. At the same time, we have reduced the investment cost per square metre of 50 in four years.

And in the production

We are working on the construction of a new workshop at Vicenza in which we emménagerons in two years. We need space. For the moment, we had to stay a part of the offices in a building across the road. Moreover, our crafts know-how is a competitive advantage and we must imperatively keep it in our region of Veneto. This, to put in place a new generation of craftsmen. So we decided to launch a cycle of three years training for 15 persons 18 to 20 years, in association with a local school. Education will begin after the summer. Teachers will be artisans who are currently working with our partners or internal.

All your bags will be hand-crafted in the future

It is a duty. Otherwise, we would lose the integrity of the brand and the confidence of our customers.