Magli Bruno
Magli Bruno. Italian shoemaker. A Bolognese family firm: Bruno and Maria began making shoes by hand in the 1920s. In 1936 they headed a small company and, after an enforced gap during the war, work got underway again in 1947 in a new hangar. During the 1960s, the company’s high heeled sling-backs and pointed shoes made headlines. They opened a series of shops in Bologna, Genoa, Milan, Rome, Venice, and Turin. After the deaths of Bruno and Maria, their children, Mauro, Sandro and Morris, continued to run the business, creating a “total look” that included a men’s range, a series of overcoats, bags, and accessories. The company exports 80% of its production.
Opera is actively involved in the corporate management of Bruno Magli in the United States
Opera is actively involved in the corporate management of Bruno Magli in the United States. Other shareholders participating in the take-over are the Japanese Mitsui, which currently holds 2% of the package, and the pension fund Verizon, with 19%.
Bruno Magli Japan was created, a joint venture with Itochu and Kanematzu-Ginza (a leader in footwear and leather retailing). The aim of the new company, with headquarters in Ginza, is to develop the brand and reach a total of 35 own-brand stores and corner outlets, creating a turnover of over 35 million euros by 2005 (compared with the current 8 millions) in Japan alone. Overall, the own-brand stores increased from 66 to 77 by the end of 2003 in order to reach a quota of 100 by 2005.
The Fox Town outlet in Mendrisio was opened, followed in April by the Via Condotti store in Rome
The Fox Town outlet in Mendrisio was opened, followed in April by the Via Condotti store in Rome. The United States market was also strong, representing approximately 38% of turnover. Currently, Magli has six own-brand stores in America and a network of 50 corners in department stores (Neiman Marcus, Barneys and Bloomingdales). In 2002, Magli registered a turnover of 73 million euros with a production of 500,000 pairs of shoes per year.
New stores opened in Moscow and Kuwait City, plus a second boutique in New York.
Michele Alberti was made the company’s new commercial director.
Michele Alberti was made the company’s new commercial director. A new strategy was launched to try and bring the label’s accounts back on track, focusing on a reappraisal of the distribution network. The first six months of the year demonstrated a 63% increase in the United States for the menswear collections and a 25% increase for womenswear, with similar growth in the Japanese market as well. The company, which is 94% controlled by Opera (the investment association that includes the Bulgari Group) closed 2004 with a turnover of 52 million euros, 40% of which was made in the USA.”
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