Originally from Trivero, Italy, the Loro Pianas started as merchants of wool fabrics at the beginning of the nineteenth century.  Over the next six generations the company has developed to become the largest cashmere manufacturer and biggest single purchaser of the world’s finest wools.  In 1998, to capitalise on its tradition and leadership in fine textile manufacturing, the company decided to pursue a strategy of retail expansion.  The company’s network of stores located in the world’s most prestigious cities in Europe, US and Asia, offers lines for men, women and children, along with home furnishings, accessories and gifts.  The Group currently employs over 2,000 staff worldwide.

Left: Mr. Pier Luigi Loro Piana, Right: Mr. Sergio Loro Piana

Hong Kong: record of expansion

Loro Piana opened their first Hong Kong store in 2005 in the ifc mall, this was quickly followed by stores in Harbour City and Pacific Place, and this year the company opened their fourth flagship store at Chater House, Central.  Their flagship store’s range includes made-to-measure tailored Loro Piana items of clothing in a wide array of fabrics, including the “Loro Piana’s jewel” Record Bale – the world’s record of finest wool – producing just enough fabric for 50 suits worldwide in each record year.

Loro Piana chose Hong Kong because of the strength of its favourable commercial environment, number of highly sophisticated consumers and tourists.  “Loro Piana products fit the profile of luxury consumer demand, we expanded into Hong Kong to get closer to and meet the needs of our increasing, discerning Hong Kong consumers who believe in authentic quality and exclusivity in every aspect of their lives,” explains Mr Pier Luigi Loro Piana, CEO and Chairman of Loro Piana.  The strategy has proved a great success, from a small team of eight the company now employs 80 members of staff in the Greater China region.

Hong Kong’s advantages “Over time, Hong Kong has evolved into one of the most important and affluent business centres in Asia.  We see Hong Kong as a dynamic city with lots of potential,” says Mr Pier Luigi Loro Piana.  The company also enjoys the city’s international pro-business environment and network, legal system, excellent financial and business infrastructure and highly skilled labour force.  “The main advantage is that Hong Kong has a strong international community and a growing Chinese population that form a base of valued customers,” explains Mr Pier Luigi Loro Piana.

Loro Piana currently has 8 stores in Greater China

Horsey® Jacket Piazza di Siena Gateway to Mainland China “The city’s superb location and its Asian hub status make Hong Kong an ideal gateway for Loro Piana to access the Greater China region,” says Mr Pier Luigi Loro Piana.  The company has recently expanded into the Mainland, opening three stores located in Beijing, Shanghai and Changchun and will be launching its fourth store in Shenyang in the autumn.  “Our performance in Greater China has been very promising and we believe the market offers significant opportunity for future growth.” Official supplier to the Italian Olympic equestrian team Loro Piana has a shared history and matching values with horse riding.  In 1985 the company began sponsoring Italian and international horsemen and partnered with the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE).  Currently 13 horsemen make up the Loro Piana team, in addition to the Italian national show-jumping team, which has worn the yellow and blue colours for 10 years. Member of Loro Piana show jumping team Loro Piana will be the official supplier of the Italian Olympic Eventing and Dressage teams and the Italian delegation at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and Hong Kong. The Eventing and Dressage teams will be wearing the Loro Piana uniforms and all athletes will be provided with saddle mats for dressage, bonnets and blankets for the horses and box curtains.  All athletes, grooms and members of the FISE delegation will be supplied with polo shirts, t-shirts, fleeces and baseball hats. As well as horse riding, Loro Piana also supports other premium sporting and leisure events, including polo, sailing and vintage car competitions.  Since 2006 Loro Piana has been title sponsor of the Around the Island Race in Hong Kong. www.loropiana.com