Valentino is making a major statement for current momentum and future growth - its largest flagship yet, set to open next year at 693 Fifth Avenue in the old Takashimaya Building says wwd.com. The 20,000 sq. ft. store with three floors of selling space as well as a basement, is the culmination of three years of sales increases for the brand, and marks a new chapter of expansion. According to wwd, the CEO, Stefano Sassi said that in three years sales grew approximately 70% and that the brand is growing fast, especially with the fast development of accessories, which are growing dramatically both in footwear and bags, retail wise. Even before the Fifth Avenue store is unveiled, Valentino will roll out a string of stores.

Next month, the company will open a 5,295-square-foot store in a townhouse on Madison Avenue with three selling floors and another floor devoted to a VIP salon. The company will also open its first accessories-only store in the U.S., a 750-square-foot unit at The Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas this July. Simultaneously, Valentino will open a 3,000-square-foot store at Las Vegas' Shops at Crystals. In November, the company will add a 7,000-square-foot unit in San Francisco. It will be the first U.S. store to carry the complete men's collection.

Fonte: ICE