French Watches & Jeweller Chaumet opens boutique in Kuala Lumpur

17 july 2006

FRENCH jeweller Chaumet, part of the luxury goods group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, has opened a boutique in Kuala Lumpur, its first in South-East Asia.

Located in the Starhill shoping centre, the Chaumet boutique officially opened its doors last Wednesday.

The outlet is managed by its partner, renowned local fine watch and jewellery purveyor, Swiss Union Fine Watch.

Chaumet president Thierry Fritsch said Malaysia has a big potential compared to its neighbouring countries because of its stable economy and government.

'This is an interesting country where modernisation and cultural values are well-blended, which suits our contemporary brand,' he told Business Times.

Fritsch said Asia is a priority in Chaumet's expansion plans, having 22 out of its 46 overseas boutiques in Japan alone.

The Asian market makes up half of the group?s total revenue a year.

Founded in 1780 by Marie-Etienne Nitot, the Chaumet brand, which was previously a family-owned business, was taken over by the LVMH group in 1999.

LVMH manages a total 50 brand names ranging from fashion, leather goods, wine, cosmetics, perfumes, watches and jewellery. Some of the brands include Louis Vuitton Givenchy, Donna Karan, Loewe and Celine.

'After our success in Japan, we want to invest more in Asia. This year, we plan to open three more stores in Hong Kong, Jeddah and Riyadh respectively,' he said.

Famous for its high-end watches, few in the region know that Chaumet is also a renowned contemporary jeweller, which makes up 70 per cent of its business.

'With a dedicated boutique, we can now plan a more comprehensive communication plan to push both Chaumet?s jewellery and watches forward in this market,' he said.

Without wanting to reveal its investment figures and sales target, Fritsch is optimistic to see returns from the Kuala Lumpur outlet in two years.

Its boutique showcases a complete range of Chaumet's jewellery and watch collections. Prices range from RM2,000 onwards.