01.29.13
At Inter Parfums, Inc., 2012 net sales rose 6.3% to $654.1 million, ahead of previous guidance of $632.0 million due to better than expected fourth quarter sales. However, net sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 fell 6.4% to $176.9 million.
Discussing European-based operations Jean Madar, chairman & CEO of Inter Parfums noted, “Several of the major ongoing brands in our portfolio performed exceptionally well in the fourth quarter and for the full year, primarily due to sales momentum within existing lines. 2012 Lanvin sales ran 5% ahead of 2011 thanks to the endurance of Eclat d’Arpège, with sales continuing to grow ten years after the fragrance was introduced. The increase in Lanvin brand sales also reflected the launch of the Jeanne Lanvin Couture line. Montblanc sales have been impressive with brand sales up 51% for the full year, owing to the extraordinary appeal of the men’s line, Legend. Introduced in 2011, Legend is now our best-selling men’s fragrance across all prestige brands in our portfolio. The Jimmy Choo signature fragrance line has also done extremely well achieving 36% full year sales growth over the scent’s debut year.”
He continued, “For 2012, Burberry fragrance sales were up 6% with double-digit growth by the brand’s historic lines and the continuing success of the Burberry Body line, although impacted by lower sales from the Burberry Sport line. S.T. Dupont fragrance sales rose 5%, and Boucheron has become a meaningful contributor in 2012 with the gradual re-release of the brand’s fragrance collections along with our first initiative, Jaipur Bracelet.”
Discussing prestige sales by region, Madar noted, “Top line growth has been especially strong in North America as 2012 sales were 29% ahead of 2011 thanks in great part to the performance of Jimmy Choo and Montblanc fragrances. Our sales in Western Europe were up 5% despite reduced consumer spending in selected countries. Growth continued in the Middle East, spurred by Saudi Arabia, resulting in a more than 17% increase in sales. Russia drove sales in Eastern Europe producing a 10% improvement in this region. Asia, and China in particular, showed continued momentum with year-over-year sales growth of nearly 12%.”
On the subject of US-based operations, Madar went on to say, “The inclusion of Anna Sui fragrances in 2012 drove the 31% sales increase. International distribution of U.S. specialty retail brands, and several fragrance launches for namesake stores also factored into the top line growth. Additionally, in the final months of 2012, we began to ship Lanvin travel amenities to Sofitel Hotels.”