Tommy Hilfiger to take control in Turkey

TURKEY: Tommy Hilfiger to take control of local distribution

By just-style.com | 28 May 2009

The Tommy Hilfiger Group has assumed direct control of its wholesale and retail distribution in Turkey from Unitim Retail Group, with immediate effect, the company confirmed to just-style today (28 May).

"We believe that there will continue to be growth opportunities in Turkey and, as a subsidiary of Tommy Hilfiger Europe BV, the market's commercial activities will benefit from complete integration into the European organisation," said CEO Fred Gehring.

He added that the decision is also in line with the company's strategy to "consolidate brand management and approach the market in the most coordinated manner possible."

While Tommy Hilfiger will fully control its business in Turkey, Unitim retains a minor stake in the company.

Unitim will also continue to operate as the Group's exclusive franchise partner in Russia and as the wholesale and retail distributor in Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

Tommy Hilfiger signed its distribution agreement with Unitim when it entered Turkey in 1998, and has since developed into a business with revenues of more than EUR20m (US$27.7m).

Its branded products are distributed in Turkey through a network of over 33 freestanding retail stores, and a select number of multi-brand points of sale.

Sectors: Apparel, Retail

Companies: Tommy Hilfiger