McQueen for Samsonite

Alexander McQueen and Samsonite have teamed up to develop a prize-winning luggage collection. The Samsonite Black Label by Alexander McQueen consists of a range of luxury organic suitcases and travel bags created by the designer in a palette of ivory and black. The shapes and patterns are derived from nature and translated into modern, yet fluid forms with the help of modern technology. They form a shrill contrast to the hard, clinical lines of contemporary luggage. Of the two suitcases, one is shaped as a human torso, with visible ribs, while the second style has an alligator-skin pattern. Meanwhile, the rest of the line – consisting of a beauty case, two boarding bags and a clothing bag – has also been executed in leather with an alligator print finish and in fabric. The line even includes a leather document holder, a passport holder and an address label with key chain.

“I enjoyed developing my own luggage collection and the challenge it brought with it,” McQueen said in a statement. “I love to learn, especially about new, technological developments.”

“This collection is a prime example of innovation and luxury for which the Samsonite Black Label stands,” added Samsonite president and chief executive Marcello Bottoli. Last month, the range won the ‘Style on the move' award. Readers of Condé Nast Traveller picked the collection over other big name brands including Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Rayban and Biondi.

Prices for the suitcases range from €570 (£387) to €670, while a boarding bag for women costs €450 and a silver coloured lock – the most affordable item in the range – retails for €30. The collection is available at Samsonite stores in Sloane Street and the Royal Exchange.

www.samsonite.com
9 May 2007

Samsonite acquires Lambertson Truex majority stake

Luggage maker Samsonite has acquired a majority stake in luxury leather goods brand Lamberton Truex. Samsonite’s goal is to open Lambertson Truex stores worldwide, as well as expand wholesale distribution. Founders Richard Lambertson and John Truex will be co-creative directors. They will concentrate on the collections and the look of future stores.
“The problem is not where to grow, but where do we start,” Samsonite president and chief executive Marcello Bottoli told WWD. “The three of us have a very clear (idea) in mind of what we want to do with the company. We’ve been flirting until now, and now we’re married. But we’re not in the business of trying to do things quick. We want to do it right. When you get a beautiful jewel, you have to stop and decide what to do with it.” Lambertson Truex has long been the subject of takeover rumours. According to WWD, the eight-year-old company’s exotic skins and top quality leather bags have made it attractive to companies looking to invest in it or acquire it. After a six-month courtship, Samsonite has come out the winner. However, Bottoli said that it was a partnership rather than an acquisition. Lamberston Truex’s sales are estimated at $50 million (£27.3 million). Meanwhile, the 96-year-old Samsonite has annual sales of about $2 billion at retail. Its licenses, which include the likes of Lacoste and Timberland, represent another $1 billion. The new partnership is looking to expand its retail and wholesales presence both in domestic and international markets. “Retail is the future of true luxury bags,” said Lambertson. “That’s the place to be a testing ground for new product that we don’t have to depend on our retailers to promote for us. It’s also about the best level of customer service, although our retailers offer very high levels of service.”
Lambertson Truex bags retail from $795 to $1,000, while shoes range from $275 and $595. Fans of the brand include Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez and Scarlett Johansson.
“Lambertson Truex is a wonderful, upscale business,” chairman and chief executive of Bloomingdale’s, Michael Gould, told WWD. “The business has had strong growth over the past year. We look forward to the growth of this resource as we build our luxury accessory business.”

www.samsonite.com
www.lambertsontruex.com
17 July 2006

Samsonite signs Alexander McQueen

Luggage company Samsonite has signed a deal with Alexander McQueen to develop a collection of luggage, travel bags and accessories under the high-end Samsonite Black Label brand. It is not the company’s first time working with a major international fashion designer. Last fall it introduced a limited-edition collection designed by Matthew Williamson. This season, McQueen’s collection will join others by industrial designer Marc Newson, and the Vintage, X’Lite and Signat Attaché lines. The new collection will be unveiled this fall and will be available in stores from spring 2007. Samsonite’s creative director Quentin Mackay said in statement that the collaboration enhances “our rich heritage of designer partnerships.”
Last year, Samsonite generated sales of $902.9 million, compared with $776.5 million in 2004.

www.samsonite.com
11 July 2006

Samsonite reports Q3 loss

US Luggage maker Samsonite reported a third-quarter loss of $3.3 million, or a loss of 17 cents a share, which compares with a loss of $15.3 million, or a loss of 77 cents a share, last year. The company’s revenues increased to $202 million from $191 million in 2001.

Company officials credited the increased revenues to the introduction of new casual bag and business case lines. Sales in the company's new original equipment manufacturer distribution channel as well as recent restructuring efforts.

Despite the increased revenues, company officials still worried about the weak economic situation and the downturn in travel. Luc Van Nevel, CEO, stated: “The frequency and volume of leisure and business travel is improving, although worldwide travel has not yet fully recovered to levels prior to September 2001.”

December 6, 2002
www.samsonite.it

Samsonite to open franchise-stores

Samsonite Europe N.V., the Belgium-based European subsidiary of US luggage specialist Samsonite Corporation, is set to open a number of franchise-
stores. In addition to the Samsonite brand, this new store concept will also feature products from Lacoste, Hedgren, Trunk & Co and Saturn, all of which form part of the Samsonite brand portfolio.

The pilot store is set to open at the end of September in the Wijnegem Shopping Center, near Antwerp. Additional locations are soon to be developed
in other European markets. At the end of October, the company will open a store in German shopping centre Centro.

According to vice president sales and marketing Arne Borrey, Samsonite plans to be present in all major shopping centres and high streets in its European markets. In Europe, Samsonite products are allready available in approximately 10,000 retail outlets. In addition, the company already owns 27 stores of its own in Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Austria, Sweden and the Czech Republic, as well as 4 concessions in Austria.

www.samsonite.it

08-18-02