Tuesday, 30 July 2013 00:00
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First Raoul store to open in Colombo
Raoul, Singapore’s leading international fashion label, has inked a franchise agreement in Sri Lanka, the second this year after a similar deal in China in May 2013.
The franchisee, Sri Lankan-based White Lotus Fashions Ltd., will open the first standalone Raoul store in Colombo in December 2013 to be housed in a refurbished colonial project in the heart of the city. White Lotus Fashions is a member of Rayynor Silva Holdings Company.
Dr. Dilini Silva, Managing Director of White Lotus Fashions, said: “We are excited to enter into this franchise relationship with Raoul in Sri Lanka and we look forward to establishing Raoul as a leading luxury fashion brand in Sri Lanka. We believe in the potential of Raoul. It is one of the few Asian labels which are being noticed throughout the fashion capitals of the world. Its impressive range of products, with their creative use of fabric, colour and style, will surely appeal to the fashion forward elite in Sri Lanka.”
Douglas Benjamin, Chief Operating Officer of FJ Benjamin Holdings, said: “This is a testament to the growing appeal of the Raoul brand in international markets. We are delighted that White Lotus Fashions is so passionate about Raoul and we know that they will do the brand proud. Raoul is entering the Sri Lankan market at a time when the country’s economy is poised for further growth following the end of a three-decade war. This franchise agreement will give Raoul first mover advantage in a country where the market for luxury fashion is still at a nascent stage with very few quality brands available for the discerning, fashion conscious shopper.”
Raoul is sold in over 30 countries around the world including stores in Singapore, the Middle East, Paris, Milan, London and New York. In May this year, FJ Benjamin signed a franchise agreement with Chongqing- based Budy (Chongqing) Import & Export Trading Co to set up Raoul stores in China from mid-September. Hollywood celebrities such as Holland Roland, Sofia Vergara, Lana Parrilla, Zhang Ziyi, Rebecca Romijn, Viola Davis, Jennifer Lawrence, and royalty including The Duchess of Cambridge, have been seen wearing items from the brand’s collections. Presently, Raoul has been selected and is being showcased at the Saks storefront window in New York.
