Any special plans for India?
Breitling is quite established worldwide in Europe and Asia, especially
in Japan. In India, we still have our homework to do. When Breitling
does something, Breitling does it properly so we will do that
step by step. Opening a new market requires a lot of things; it
means building after-sales service, training the people at every
point of sales, making the right communications… For the
time being, we have three point of sales in India and we plan
to open two additional ones this year in Bangalore and Calcutta.
How do you view India as a destination
for luxury goods?
I think India has a very, very high potential for luxury products.
I’m really surprised by the knowledge of the people in India
about high-end products, especially watches. The information provided
to watch lovers is excellent. I think India is a priority for
Breitling in the future.
Any plans for a brand ambassador for
India?
We just started with an ambassador worldwide which is John Travolta.
This is a kind of exception because he is famous as an actor and
is an addicted pilot. When he wakes up in the morning his only
idea is to fly -- He wants to fly everyday. That’s why Travolta
is the exception.
Any plans for a special Breitling boutique
in India?
As a brand, we don’t want to open boutiques. We know what
we do well, which is developing, producing and marketing nice
Breitling watches. Regarding distribution and the retail business
we leave it to the experts. Honestly, we don’t know the
Indian market so we will always rely on independent retailers
who are closely working with us. If at all there is going to be
a Breitling boutique in India, it will be run buy a local retailer.
We don’t want to do everything.
Which are the markets you have to aggressively
sell your brand?
We are well entrenched in the traditional markets in Europe and
Asia, especially Japan. But markets like Russia, China and India
are our priorities right now.
Finally, how would you define Breitling?
In three words I would say ‘Instruments for professionals’.
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