Polo aiming for Growth

Polo Ralph Lauren is looking to double its business in Europe over the next five years. The company will aim to develop the distribution of its kidswear and menswear lines in the UK.

Brian Duffy, the new president and chief operating officer of Polo Europe said: "there is lots of opportunity in the UK with brands that are underdeveloped. For, example, kidswear sales in the UK represent less than 20 per cent of those in France and in Spain, and mesnwear sales are half that of France, Italy and Spain." He further stated sales growth would come through existing partners rather than a new account base.

Polo Europe has relocated to new headquarter in Geneva from holding offices in Paris, Bologna and the UK. Duffy said that the consolidated offices and a new warehouse in Parma would cut lead times "dramatically."

Ralph Lauren has three stores in the UK in London's Bond Street, Birmingham and Glasgow in addition to their 375 UK stockists.