WatchProSite|Market|Digest
WatchProSite|Market|Digest

IWC

Quite an interesting read...

 

especially with his statement of "Occasional boutique locations will be evaluated, but no aggressive expansion. However, we want to grow our space in the multi-brand stores."

Being an amateur observer of the Asian watch retail scene, I had imagined that the course upon which the brand will take AFTER setting up numerous boutiques housing only their brands would solely be to maintain, if not lessen presence in multi- brand stores in an effort to dispel potential pricing wars and to further thrust upon their boutiques the role of not only standing as glorified display showrooms but to actually serve as substantial points of sale with real volume pointing towards a new POS structure down the road of eventually phasing out presence in multi brand shops, retaining just the boutiques as sole POS for the brand.

Looking forward to see how IWC moves forward with Mr. Verburg on the helm. Thanks for sharing the interview JX.

  login to reply
12 Comments view entire thread 

A chat with Goris Verburg, IWC's new head for South-East Asia

 
By: SJX : November 1st, 2009-01:14
Goris Verburg took the helm at IWC in South-East Asia at the beginning of August, after a stint as Regional Manager for Asia, Middle East and Africa at Schaffhausen. Goris Verburg Goris possesses a coolly cerebral and efficient manner that is more managem...  

Quite an interesting read...

 
By: Rob : November 1st, 2009-01:21
especially with his statement of "Occasional boutique locations will be evaluated, but no aggressive expansion. However, we want to grow our space in the multi-brand stores." Being an amateur observer of the Asian watch retail scene, I had imagined that t... 

Multi-brand stores and boutiques

 
By: SJX : November 1st, 2009-01:33
Many retailers of luxury goods, not just watches, were hard hit by destocking by multi-brand stores in the recession. Those brands operating their own stores fared better, so Louis Vuitton did all right but not TAG Heuer, even though both are part of LVMH... 

Appreciate...

 
By: Rob : November 1st, 2009-03:48
the clear explanation and sharing of your thoughts. Having said that, I look eagerly ahead into the near future if changing market situations dictate a change or not to the current sales structure. Thanks again...

Well, I disagree on the distinction made on

 
By: amanico : November 1st, 2009-01:42
European, US, Russian, and Asian Collectors... Some, everywhere in the world are attracted for fully paved watches, not only Russian. To generalize is always a dangerous game... Besides this, the funny thing is that since 2003, I have less interest on IWC... 

Indeed, we all see things differently...

 
By: Rob : November 1st, 2009-03:53
a matte of perception in a person's statement or even a picture. Having said that, I do agree that current lines seem less appealing to me as well. BUT could that be a matter of the watches still being attractive but our tastes having shifted? Or law of d... 

There are exceptions to the rule of course

 
By: SJX : November 1st, 2009-04:40
Nicolas, I agree stereotypes are dangerous. But Goris' comments were generalisations for particular markets and I find them accurate based on personal experience as well as comments from other industry executives. As for your thoughts on IWC watches since... 

LOL, SJX!

 
By: amanico : November 1st, 2009-11:48
I was sure someone would go on my last observation and it was you! Of course there are some exceptions about the latest IWC watches, let's say ...A Few, in my opinion and tastes. But I think that generalisations about people are ALWAYS dangerous. Would a ... 

I was surprised with Goris' honesty in answering the questions...

 
By: patrick_y : November 1st, 2009-19:50
For instance, in describing certain clienteles, it is not unusual for most brand executives to have a very conservative stance and say very neutral and diplomatic things about the preferences of a region's clientele. However, I think Goris knows that most... 

Large common denominator

 
By: MTF : November 1st, 2009-10:53
SJX, Thanks for the chat with Mr Verburg. It fits with current IWC strategy to go for the largest common denominator for design (re-issues) and sales will surely follow. Weird, avant-garde, innovative and freaky designs may bring critical acclaim from a f...