Competition harms Bijou Brigitte

German jewellery group Bijou Brigitte has seen easier times. Widely represented in Europe, the company’s sales dropped in the first quarter of 2008 with 4,5%, due to growing competition. This was reported by the German company, which is represented in over 1000 stores in Europe. Even though Bijou Brigitte’s declining sales revenues, the company continues to grow because of expansion in Germany. In the first quarter it booked an increase of 3% to 76 million Euros. Bijou Brigitte opened 17 new stores in the first three months of the current year.

Coinciding with the opening of the new Bijou Brigitte stores, seven boutiques were closed down. Reason being larger branches could be opened on a better location. The company is looking to launch in total 80 new shops in Europe, one of the latest European markets it wants to focus on is the UK.