12.31.09
Culti, the Italian design, beauty and spa brand, has established U.S. in Chicago. Culti’s founder, Alessandro Agrati, said the 1,100-square-foot boutique in the Windy City just off Michigan Avenue provides a perfect test market for the lifestyle brand, which spans several categories from fragrance and beauty products to clothing, furniture and interior design.
“In our opinion it’s a very American city,” seemingly less international than New York and less Hollywood than Los Angeles, U.S. general manager Roberto Bevilacqua added, noting that if Culti can understand and resonate with clients in Chicago, he believes the company can succeed in other U.S. markets.
In fact, Culti is scouting sites in New York, Los Angeles and Miami while reaching out to American spas and hotels in regard to carrying Culti products or striking potential partnerships.
The Milan-based company, which also operates a day spa and restaurants in Italy, also has its sights set on expanding further in Europe. In 2010, Culti plans to open a store in London, which will join flagships in Milan and Saint Moritz. Paris and Capri are also on the company’s radar for future stores.
Although Culti’s Chicago address is 840 North Michigan Avenue, it shares a building with Escada and H&M and its entrance is actually around the corner along Chestnut Street, a side street to the Magnificent Mile. Price points range from $40 for a home fragrance spray to $4,358 for a handwoven cashmere blanket.
Interestingly, Agrati launched Culti almost 20 years ago with home fragrance diffusers (the now-trendy glass flacons with wooden sticks). They were an instant hit then and remain one of Culti’s top sellers, priced at $95 and $155 in Chicago.
First year sales at the Chicago store are expected to be $1.5 million. Overall, Culti’s total retail sales hit$11 million in 2008, a 25 percent increase from 2007. Another $5.1 million in Culti’s revenues last year came from interior design contracts.
“In our opinion it’s a very American city,” seemingly less international than New York and less Hollywood than Los Angeles, U.S. general manager Roberto Bevilacqua added, noting that if Culti can understand and resonate with clients in Chicago, he believes the company can succeed in other U.S. markets.
In fact, Culti is scouting sites in New York, Los Angeles and Miami while reaching out to American spas and hotels in regard to carrying Culti products or striking potential partnerships.
The Milan-based company, which also operates a day spa and restaurants in Italy, also has its sights set on expanding further in Europe. In 2010, Culti plans to open a store in London, which will join flagships in Milan and Saint Moritz. Paris and Capri are also on the company’s radar for future stores.
Although Culti’s Chicago address is 840 North Michigan Avenue, it shares a building with Escada and H&M and its entrance is actually around the corner along Chestnut Street, a side street to the Magnificent Mile. Price points range from $40 for a home fragrance spray to $4,358 for a handwoven cashmere blanket.
Interestingly, Agrati launched Culti almost 20 years ago with home fragrance diffusers (the now-trendy glass flacons with wooden sticks). They were an instant hit then and remain one of Culti’s top sellers, priced at $95 and $155 in Chicago.
First year sales at the Chicago store are expected to be $1.5 million. Overall, Culti’s total retail sales hit$11 million in 2008, a 25 percent increase from 2007. Another $5.1 million in Culti’s revenues last year came from interior design contracts.