BEVERLY HILLS — Versace executives outlined plans Wednesday to launch four new flagships in major U.S. markets by 2010.
Speaking at the firm’s newly renovated store here, Roberto Lorenzini, president and chief operating officer of Versace USA, said the company will likely be entering cities where it already operates flagships, including Las Vegas, Miami, New York and Los Angeles. However, he suggested a focus on suburban, outlying locations. Leases for the units have yet to be completed and executives declined to comment on store sizes.
Versace will conclude a cycle of renovation in the U.S. that began in 2005 with the overhaul of its Houston and Atlanta boutiques over the next two to three months, but “we’re more focused on developing our [new] flagships,” Lorenzini said.
“The company is now in a phase of full growth and expansion,” said Giancarlo Di Risio, chief executive officer of Gianni Versace SpA. “The end of 2006 was the end of the turnaround. We only see growth in front of us now, growth in revenue and growth in stores.”
The units will reflect Versace’s latest black-and-white design concept, a departure from the gilded baroque-inspired aesthetics found in its older stores. In addition, the new concept highlights accessories, Versace’s fastest-growing category.
The Milan-based company operates more than 60 freestanding boutiques worldwide.