Gherardini

Florentine leather goods company born in the small artisan’s workshop established by Garibaldo Gherardini in 1885. Since the 1950s, the logo with the G of Gherardini has characterized not only bags, suitcases, and wallets, but also raincoats, umbrellas, ties, scarves, and a prêt-à-porter line. Although it maintains its most classic models unchanged, the company has constantly diversified its product line. Since 1980, it has been led by Maria Gherardini.
The company, which in the early 1990s was acquired by a Japanese group, returns to Italian hands, those of Dadorosa (Group Danilo Dolci).
Gherardini reorganizes its historic boutique on via della Spiga in Milan. The brand, acquired the previous November by Danilo Dolci, is scheduled for a big relaunch, both in Italy and abroad, especially in Japan. A new plant for the production of more than 300,000 pieces a year is to be built near Florence in the area of Scandicci, while design will be carried out in Ancona, at the Dolci factory. After a corner at the Osaka Hilton and a boutique opening in Milan, it is time for a restyling in Rome and Florence, and for new openings in London and New York.
The reopening of the renovated boutique on via della Vigna Nuova in Florence. The opening of the first boutique in Seoul, South Korea. At the end of 2002, the turnover is €16 million, an increase of 20%. For the following year, the forecast is around €20 million.
The Florentine griffe makes its début in the shoe world thanks to an agreement with Brain Management that is more a partnership than a license. The company from the Veneto will produce and distribute the new brand, while the Dolci group will finance and coordinate the project. The launch of Gherardini Shoes is expected for Spring-Summer 2004 and will focus on a middle-high target of women between 25 and 40. It will look not only to Italy and Japan, where Gherardini has had a consistent presence, but also to the rest of Europe, especially Spain and the Benelux countries. The goal is to reach a target of 450 stores in Italy. In anticipation of the advertising launch in 2004, Gherardini’s sales increase 15%, bringing the Dadorosa turnover to €20 million, with an expected net profit of €2 million.