Luxury brands choose Asia showcase wisely (hktdc.com)


	David and Linda Ting, founders of Globalluxe, with designer Diane von Furstenberg

	Chinese model Du Juan at the DVF fashion show

American husband and wife team David and Linda Ting were both working for Gucci in New York when they first had the idea to bring high-end global brands to Asia, via Hong Kong.

Their company, Globalluxe Limited, was formed in 2001, with US designer label Kate Spade as its first customer. As exclusive distributors for the brand in Asia, Globalluxe has now opened 11 Kate Spade boutiques in eight countries, and added US fashion brand Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) and Italy's prestigious golf wear label Chervo to its stable.

Mr Ting explained that it was Hong Kong's entrepreneurial spirit that first attracted the couple.

"I was the Managing Director, Asia Pacific at Gucci Timepieces before moving to New York to manage their worldwide business. As Gucci's business grew and the job became more corporate, I wanted to do something more entrepreneurial. At the same time, other brands had approached me to launch their business to Asia, and Linda and I decided, why not bring the brands there ourselves?"

Perfect choice

"Hong Kong seemed the best starting point because of its entrepreneurial spirit, and because it's so easy to set up a business here. There is a strong support network and great infrastructure, and as Hong Kong has such a good service industry one is able to hire top quality accountants, and lawyers easily. Plus, Hong Kong's central location makes it easy to go north to China, and south to all other markets in Southeast Asia. Our airport is the best, and it has convenient flights to all parts of the world – that makes a major difference in being able to cover those markets."

International brands are keen to gain exposure in Hong Kong, which is "a shopper's paradise", Mr Ting continued.

"Hong Kong has a lot of brands that offer the most number of styles," he said. "Most brands have a presence elsewhere in the region, but those stores rarely have the whole collection. Shopping in Hong Kong is very convenient, and my business partners when they come here are always amazed to see the size and range of the huge mega-flagship stores all within walking distance of Central. As there are no duties, shoppers know they can come to Hong Kong and get the best selection, and probably the best prices in Asia."

In addition to having a fashion-conscious domestic market in its own right, Hong Kong is also the place to launch brands for the Chinese mainland market. It's the right strategy, Mr Ting says.

"Brands set up here not only to do business in Hong Kong, but to educate the mainland people about international brands. So many brands have tried going into China first, or even Macau, but they have a much better success rate if they've established themselves in Hong Kong first. This city is the fashion capital of Asia, and Chinese consumers look to Hong Kong as a kind of validation for international brands."

Best of both

The Tings also love the lifestyle in Hong Kong. Having worked in New York for many years, Mr Ting says Hong Kong has the same type of vibe – it is fast paced, and a place where things get done. "Hong Kong people work hard, but they also have the chance to enjoy themselves with world-class restaurants and lots of entertainment. We now have three children, and one of the nicest things about Hong Kong is that it is a big international city, yet only 30 minutes or less away from nature, beaches and mountains. That's all part of the lifestyle."

So far, Globalluxe has taken Kate Spade to Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Macau, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Since opening the first DVF store in the Landmark, Central, in October 2005 it has launched the brand in Singapore, Indonesia and Shanghai, with more stores to open later this year (including two more in Hong Kong). It's opened Chervo at Open Terminal, Harbour City, and more are planned.

Other brands continue to approach the company, but Mr Ting says Globalluxe is "very selective". "We are very bullish about Hong Kong and the region – in fact, we feel the future looks quite positive," he said.