Giordano – casual appeal spreads in lower-tier cities

Growing brand recognition and expansion into lower-tier cities is supporting strong sales growth at casual apparel retailer Giordano (0797:HKG). Recent restructuring is also expected to improve regional management, while a hike in average selling prices has offset rising cotton prices, helping Giordano's operating margins remain higher than competitors at around 17%. Strong performance in markets outside of China is also expected to support total sales growth of around 20% this year.

China Confidential Funds

China Confidential Funds, a new research service launched by FT China Confidential, is dedicated to illuminating the mainland fund industry. Our team of fund industry experts in Shanghai search out the interesting trends in fund performance, strategy, interactions with overseas funds, regulatory changes, distribution and management. We also use a proprietary system to track the emerging flows of Chinese money. Click here to find out more.

Other Articles on this Issue

• Financial China

  Selected Financial Charts

  Privatisation is part of solution to LGFV debts – officials

  Into the rescue phase

• Macro View

  Rescues underway

• The Best of Chinese Commentators

  Monetary policy – the future

  Property restrictions to ease?

• Consumer China

  Fashion apparel – shooting for the stars

  Lilang – the look for middle-aged men in lower-tier cities

  Metersbonwe – youth hit seeks to move upmarket

  Esprit – still struggling to locate the Chinese spirit

• The Big Call

  Auto sales stall

• View issue