The grand opening of the largest flagship store in Europe for Longchamp is happening today on the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. Number 77 Avenue des Champs-Élysées is now home to the luxury leather goods giant, Longchamp. The store occupies a space of 500 m², taking over the previous location of Malboro.
Spanning two levels, the brand new Longchamp boutique showcases their full range of men’s and women’s leather goods, as well as their luggage lines, ready-to-wear clothing, and famous shoes. One particular highlight is the Pliage model, an iconic bag that has become synonymous with the French brand, selling a staggering 32 million units since its creation 20 years ago. The label has covered the entire wall of the upstairs area with this popular bag, further solidifying its recognition and reputation.
The CEO of Longchamp, Jean Cassegrain, who is also the grandson of the brand’s founder, expresses his excitement about the new flagship store, stating that it serves as an ambassador for Longchamp. Situated on one of the most iconic avenues in the world, the store aims to cater to both French and international clientele, with staff members proficient in 10 different languages.
Longchamp has an interesting history, having started in 1948 as a manufacturer of pipes and tobacco articles. The brand later expanded into men’s leather goods and experienced significant success in the 1980s with their women’s items. Longchamp’s reputation has grown exponentially over the years, evident in their 283 points of sale today compared to only 17 in 1999. The brand has also made its mark in several major European cities such as London, Rome, and Barcelona within the past 15 months. Furthermore, Longchamp has seen a significant international presence, with 70% of its sales now coming from outside of France. With a turnover of €462 million and a steady annual growth rate of 13% since 1999, Longchamp is poised for continued success. In 2015, they are set to expand even further into new markets such as Austria, Canada, Cambodia, Peru, and Paraguay. Additionally, their store on Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris will soon undergo renovations to become their largest flagship store worldwide, covering an impressive area of 700 m².
As a family-owned company, Longchamp has established itself as a leader in the luxury leather goods industry, with 19 distribution subsidiaries worldwide. The opening of their largest flagship store in Europe solidifies their position as a noteworthy brand.
Useful links:
1. Longchamp Official Website
2. Article on Longchamp’s International Expansion
