Footwear and accessories retailer Kurt Geiger reported (read: celebrated) a positive Christmas trading period yesterday, announcing 14% growth in like-for-like sales for the 2014 festive season.
Party shoes were at the forefront, with footwear in Kurt Geiger‘s occasion category revelling in a sales increase of 26% and handbags, which have been part of the premium retailer‘s offering for over three years, proved a popular gift choice, with sales up 23%.
Online transactions also rose, with a 35% increase in sales recorded and 6,000 pairs of shoes sold on Christmas Day, up 130% from the year before.
“These latest figures have topped off a fantastic year of growth for Kurt Geiger,” said Chief Executive at Kurt Geiger, Neil Clifford.
“The Christmas period is always busy for our business, but we‘re delighted to have delivered solid results when so many retailers have suffered from mild weather and tough trading conditions. The combination of great product, a signature in-store experience and a strong online presence has paid off and these Christmas figures create a strong foundation to embrace the year ahead” he added.
In addition to releasing its Christmas figures,, Kurt Geiger yesterday announced Dutch supermodel Lara Stone as the face of the brand for 2015, unveiling the Everything but the Dress collection.
Commenting on the new partnership, Creative Director for the brand, Rebecca Farrar-Hockley said: “This latest campaign has taken inspiration from the tropics and brought it to London” adding that “Lara has the perfect look for the brand.”
At the end of Q3, another successful quarter for the British brand, Clifford talked described the previous 12 months as “tremendous” following the company‘s management buyout and its new strategic direction, facilitating a renewed focus on international expansion. He cited the company as trying to appeal to everyone, from Hollywood starts to fashion-aware shoppers.
Last year, Kurt Geiger opened 29 stores, including one in Bicester Village shopping centre. There are plans for a London flagship store to open early this year, somewhere around the Oxford Street area.
