Initial Strategy: Our consulting company initiated a 2-year collaboration with an Italian handmade leather shoes and bags brand, aiming to target distributors, stores, department stores, multi-brand stores, and boutiques in the Middle East and Russia. The products were priced at 80 euros for shoes and 90-100 euros for a bag. In Russia, our goal was also to find an investor to support the brand’s expansion.

Main Obstacles: The primary challenge was to generate interest in the Italian brand within our target markets, particularly Russia, and to secure potential orders, investors, and partners for the brand.

Solution: After seven months of brand promotion, leveraging our network of potential buyers and participating in an exhibition in Russia, we received positive feedback and the first potential orders. Following the initial sales, we organized a personal stand at a specialized exhibition in the Russian Federation, while in the Middle East, we launched an export manager program.

Outcomes: The export manager program proved to be a successful investment, generating 250,000 – 300,000 euros per year in revenue. Additionally, we established production in the Russian Federation to supply products directly to the Russian market and opened two stores to further boost the brand’s presence.

Future Strategy: Our future strategy includes increasing the number of stores in the Russian Federation to capitalize on the growing demand for Italian handmade leather products. Additionally, we plan to expand into the UAE by opening new stores, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the Middle East and ensuring continued success.

Initial Strategy: Our consulting firm embarked on a 2-year collaboration with a French luxury fashion brand, aiming to introduce its high-end clothing and accessories to the Russian market. The brand, known for its haute couture and artisanal craftsmanship, set out to establish a presence in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia’s two wealthiest cities. The primary objective was to break into premium fashion stores and boutiques that catered to Russia’s elite, positioning the brand as the epitome of French elegance and style.

Main Obstacles: Russia’s fashion market is dominated by several well-established global luxury brands, making it challenging for new entrants to gain attention. Additionally, Russian buyers are highly selective, often preferring brands with a long-standing reputation in the fashion industry. The cultural differences between France and Russia also posed a challenge in tailoring marketing messages to resonate with Russian consumers.

Solution: We started by launching exclusive fashion shows in Moscow and St. Petersburg, attended by top Russian influencers, celebrities, and media. We also partnered with key luxury department stores such as TSUM and Barvikha Luxury Village, offering exclusive capsule collections that would appeal to Russian tastes. The brand’s social media presence was expanded, working closely with Russian fashion influencers who helped promote the brand’s heritage and exclusivity. Additionally, we organized VIP events at some of the city’s top luxury hotels to give select clients an intimate, hands-on experience with the brand.

Outcomes: Within the first year, the French brand secured premium store placements in TSUM and Barvikha, resulting in a 20% increase in sales. The VIP events and influencer partnerships helped boost brand recognition and engagement, with sales particularly increasing during holiday periods. Several Russian fashion magazines featured the brand in their editorials, further solidifying its presence in the market. By the end of the second year, the brand had established itself as one of the leading luxury fashion labels in Russia.

Future Strategy: The future strategy focuses on expanding the brand’s product offerings in Russia to include exclusive accessories and shoes, which are in high demand among Russian consumers. The brand also plans to open standalone boutiques in Moscow and St. Petersburg, allowing for a more personalized customer experience. Collaborations with high-end Russian designers are also in the pipeline to create limited-edition collections that cater specifically to the Russian market.

Initial Strategy: Our firm initiated a 1.5-year partnership with a sustainable Italian fashion brand, aiming to introduce eco-friendly, high-end fashion to the Asian market. The initial strategy was to target major cities in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, where the demand for luxury, sustainable products has been steadily growing. The goal was to partner with premium department stores and online luxury platforms that specialize in sustainable goods.

Main Obstacles: The major obstacle was differentiating the brand from other European luxury labels that were already well-established in the Asian market. Additionally, sustainability in fashion is a relatively new concept in Asia compared to Europe, so educating both consumers and retailers about the benefits of eco-friendly fashion was necessary. The high price point also posed a challenge, as Asian consumers tend to be price-sensitive unless they perceive the brand’s value as significantly higher.

Solution: We collaborated with well-known Asian influencers and sustainable fashion advocates to introduce the brand through social media campaigns and product launches. Exclusive pop-up stores were opened in luxury malls in Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore to give consumers a first-hand experience with the brand. Simultaneously, a PR campaign was launched that focused on the brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability, using high-quality organic fabrics and fair-trade labor practices. Partnerships with online luxury retailers like Farfetch were also established to expand the brand’s digital presence.

Outcomes: The pop-up stores were highly successful, with many items selling out within the first few weeks of the launch. The brand quickly gained traction in the sustainable fashion space in Asia, with notable influencers and celebrities endorsing the products. In Japan, the brand secured a long-term partnership with Isetan, one of Tokyo’s top department stores. By the end of the partnership, the brand saw a 30% increase in revenue from Asia, with Japan and South Korea emerging as key markets.

Future Strategy: Future plans include expanding the brand’s online presence in Asia through e-commerce platforms and entering new markets such as China and Thailand. The brand also aims to launch a line of accessories and footwear made from sustainable materials, tapping into the growing demand for eco-friendly luxury products. Participation in sustainable fashion events in Asia will continue to strengthen the brand’s position as a leader in this niche market.

Initial Strategy: Our consulting firm entered a 2-year collaboration with a Spanish high-street fashion brand, targeting the rapidly growing Russian fashion market. The brand is known for offering stylish yet affordable clothing for young professionals, with an average price of €70 per item. The primary focus was to establish a presence in shopping malls and online retail platforms catering to Russian millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly looking for trendy, accessible fashion options.

Main Obstacles: The main challenge was Russia’s fragmented retail market, where both local and international brands compete for the attention of young consumers. Additionally, local fashion retailers were offering similar products at lower prices, making it difficult to justify the brand’s higher price point. Navigating Russia’s online retail landscape was another hurdle, as it requires strong logistics and distribution networks to ensure timely delivery across vast distances.

Solution: We launched an online marketing campaign targeting young Russian consumers through Instagram and VKontakte, collaborating with popular Russian fashion bloggers to showcase the brand’s unique style. In addition, we organized pop-up shops in key cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg to increase brand visibility. To overcome logistical challenges, we partnered with a well-established Russian e-commerce platform, which facilitated fast and reliable delivery services. The brand also participated in Russia’s largest fashion trade show, CPM, to build relationships with local distributors and retailers.

Outcomes: The brand saw a significant increase in online traffic, particularly during seasonal sales events, and successfully secured distribution deals with major shopping malls in Moscow and St. Petersburg. By the end of the first year, the brand was featured on multiple Russian e-commerce platforms, with sales surpassing expectations by 25%. The collaboration with fashion bloggers and influencers also contributed to a rise in brand awareness among young consumers, positioning the Spanish fashion label as a trendy and affordable option.

Future Strategy: Moving forward, the brand aims to open standalone stores in Russia’s top shopping centers and increase its presence on local e-commerce platforms. The expansion into other cities like Kazan and Novosibirsk is planned to capture a broader market segment. The brand also intends to introduce seasonal collections specifically designed for the Russian market, including winter wear that caters to Russia’s unique climate.

Initial Strategy: We partnered with a luxury Portuguese footwear brand for a 3-year engagement, focusing on breaking into the competitive U.S. fashion market. The brand, known for its handcrafted leather shoes and boots, set out to target high-end retailers, department stores, and boutiques in key cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. With shoes priced at an average of $400 per pair, the brand aimed to appeal to affluent U.S. consumers who value craftsmanship and European heritage.

Main Obstacles: The main challenge was penetrating a market already saturated with established luxury footwear brands. American consumers are loyal to familiar names, making it difficult for new entrants to gain traction. Additionally, the logistics of setting up a reliable distribution network across such a vast country posed significant challenges, especially for a relatively small European brand.

Solution: We organized trunk shows in major U.S. cities, where influential buyers and fashion insiders could experience the craftsmanship of the brand firsthand. The brand was featured in several luxury fashion magazines and was endorsed by celebrity stylists, helping it gain credibility in the U.S. market. We also focused on e-commerce, partnering with online luxury retailers like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue to expand the brand’s digital footprint. To overcome logistical issues, we worked with a third-party logistics provider to ensure smooth distribution across the country.

Outcomes: Within the first year, the Portuguese brand secured placements in high-end department stores in New York and Los Angeles, resulting in a 40% increase in sales. The brand was featured in several U.S. fashion magazines, and celebrities were seen wearing its shoes, further boosting its reputation. The collaboration with Nordstrom led to a successful online campaign, increasing the brand’s visibility among U.S. consumers.

Future Strategy: The brand plans to open flagship stores in key U.S. cities, providing a more immersive shopping experience for luxury buyers. Additionally, the expansion into men’s footwear is planned to capitalize on the growing demand for high-end men’s shoes in the U.S. The brand also aims to collaborate with American designers on limited-edition collections, helping to further cement its place in the U.S. luxury footwear market.