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An international group
The Group's expansion in Western Europe, China and India is based mainly on the store chain model. In other parts of the world, the Group uses the franchise model to benefit rapidly from the growth of emerging markets, particularly in Eastern Europe, Russia and the Middle East. Exports are growing strongly.
China: a period of consolidation
Etam generated sales of €197 million
in China in 2007 at 2,434 points of
sales. The Chinese market has been
one of the Group’s main growth
drivers over the last 10 years. It
was one of the first companies to
establish its presence in all parts of
the country with an organisational
structure and collections developed
specifically for this market. The
brand is present via three main
ready-to-wear lines: Etam, Etam
Week-End and Etam Sport, mainly
in the form of department store
concessions. While the number
has risen to 67, 2007 was a year of
transition in terms of management
after the Group’s local partner
decided to stand down from all of
his operating responsibilities, while
maintaining a 40% stake in the joint
venture.
India: an emerging market
Etam has opted for
significant expansion in India in order to accompany the development of
the country’s retail trade towards an increase in the number of shopping
centres. Etam Lingerie opened its first store in India in November 2006
as a joint venture with Pantaloon, a company listed on the Bombay stock
exchange (sales of $500 million) specialising in retail and commercial
property. A total of 26 Etam Lingerie points of sales were opened in 2007,
bringing the total number to 32 at the end of the year.
The Group’s presence is focused mainly on Mumbaï,
Delhi, Bangalore, Calcutta, Pune and Hyderabad. The Etam brand had
one ready-to-wear store at the end of 2007. The development of this
brand will be a next step.
