Going to the Fashion Capital

Tommy Hilfiger Europe B.V., (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), a subsidiary of Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, will open a new office, showroom and retail store complex at the prestigious Piazza Oberdan in Milan. The new commercial complex will house offices, showrooms, a retail store and an adjacent concept entertainment space.

This marks the company's first step in increasing its presence in Italy since it acquired the rights to full distribution and management of the Tommy Hilfiger brand in Italy from former distributor Fincom in March 2005. This also marks the introduction of the company's first retail location in Milan.

“We are proud to present our new home for Tommy Hilfiger in Italy and see this as the next significant step in establishing a stronger presence for the company in the Italian market,” said Fred Gehring, ceo of Tommy Hilfiger Europe. “We believe a central Milan headquarters for our wholesale and retail operations in Italy will truly anchor the company's position in this most critical of fashion markets.

“With the start of our first direct selling season in the showroom in July, followed by the opening of our first Milan retail store in September, this is the first step in developing Italy into a significant European market for the company,” he added.

The complex is located at the historic Piazza Oberdan. The expansive showroom will serve as the central wholesale operation for Italy and is constructed in an atrium-inspired glass space featuring moveable, architectural elements to accommodate Hilfiger’s product divisions, including men's sportswear, women's sportswear, Hilfiger denim, childrenswear and several licensed businesses.

The adjacent retail store is scheduled to open in mid-September and will carry men's and women's sportswear, Hilfiger denim and select accessories. The store design will be unique to the Tommy Hilfiger global retail portfolio, representing a marriage of local architectural elements with modern, American influences. The product presentation is inspired by Italian merchandising traditions and incorporates a mix of antique and modern materials, such as high gloss fixtures and industrial steel paired with aged chestnut flooring. The concept entertainment space will evolve in its functionality from time to time as inspired by seasonal themes and events.