08.06.09
France
www.lvmh.com
Sales: $4.2 billion
Key Personnel: Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive officer; and Antonio Belloni, group managing director.
Major Products: Fragrances, cosmetics and skin care sold under brands such as Christian Dior, Guerlain, Givenchy, Kenzo, Acque di Parma, Parfums Loewe, Benefit, Fresh and Makeup For Ever. LVMH also owns Sephora; those sales are recorded its “selective retailing” division.
New Products: Givenchy—Play, Play Intense and Very Irresistible fragrances. Dior—Escale à Portofino Miss Dior Chérie L’Eau, Diorskin Nude. Kenzo—Belle de Jour.
However, luxury marketers, LVMH included, have found the early part of 2009 difficult. In the first quarter, LVMH’s perfume and cosmetics’ revenues slid 8%, which it said was due in part to the difficult comparison with very strong revenue in the year-ago quarter and by retailers decreasing their stock levels. However, the company said demand remained robust in Russia and China, and Benefit and Make Up For Ever confirmed good growth momentum thanks to ongoing international expansion.