Bangkok--19 Aug--Hill & Knowlton Gaysorn posts steady 1st half-year growth result, thanks to ‘Iconic Event Strategy’, gearing up for the all-year grand event for memorable experiences Gaysorn Shopping Centre today announced its first half year operational result for 2008 with impressive year-on-year sales growth of 10.5%, comparing to the same period last year, thanks to consistent marketing strategy, as well as a series of effective marketing campaigns. ‘Pure Bliss’ promotion and ‘Gaysorn The Art of Time’ innovative and creative exhibition of precious timepieces and rare art pieces were among the highlights activities well received by discerning individuals. The luxury shopping centre further reaffirmed prevailing negative economic factors have slightly affected its high-end customers, who, in turn, have been encouraged to spend more locally, particularly international products, fashion items, fine time pieces and precious jewelry. Thailand’s leading high-end department store recently partnered with FENDI, the world renowned brand, to hold an event dubbed ‘Lost in Fendi Forest’, featuring the only one in Asia ‘golden fur’ collection valued at 1.5 million baht, for the first time in Asia., aimed to pamper high-end shoppers craving for unique lifestyle. The exclusive event will underline the importance of luxury fashion product segment on Wednesday 20 August 2008 at Gaysorn’s ground floor. Satima Tanabe, Deputy General Manager of Gaysorn Land Asset Management Company Limited said that, “Amidst the sluggish industry outlook dampened by local political uncertainties during the first quarter and volatile oil prices in the second quarter, Gaysorn has managed to record a growth of 10.5% in the first sixth months of 2008, comparing to the same period last year, exceeding the company’s earlier forecast.” “Luxurious international fashion goods has continued to drive our business growth to post higher-than-expected figure at around 17%, followed by precious time pieces and jewelry with an increased 17 and 138 per cent sales volume respectively,” she added. Following an extensive research on market trends and consumer behaviors aimed to better understand each consumer group, Gaysorn has classified consumers into five segmentations, including: Old Money, New Money, Middle Money, Millennium Money and Excursionist. To this connection a series of special campaigns and products have been offered to rightly suite demands of each group. Meanwhile, Gaysorn initiated campaign ‘Iconic Event’ has gained a favorable public response; ‘Gaysorn The Art of Time’ exhibition, in particular, throughout 20 days of event, had actively driven sales volume of precious time pieces and jewelry to 138% growth rate, comparing to the same period last year. Furthermore, the annual highly-anticipated grand sale activity ‘End of Season Special’ this year was held one month earlier than before. Highlights of the campaign included the all-year great sales of brands/ products from Singapore and Hong Kong. The campaign this year has shown a year-on-year sales growth of 20%, exceeding the target. For the second half of this year, Gaysorn will focus on a promotional campaign through a partnership with the world-class brand Fendi to organize an activity entitled ‘Lost in Fendi Forest’, showcasing the Fall-Winter 2008 collection of high-end apparels and accessories. The main highlight of the event is 1.5 million baht worth golden fur clothes shown for first time in Asia. The special fur clothes is an innovative product of the world-class designer team, delicately created through the fusion of pure gold with top quality selected fur, making it an astoundingly glittering gold fur clothes. Gaysorn Shopping Centre expects to witness a significant 12-15% growth rate for the second half of 2008, when compared to the same period last year, with core growth driving campaign like ‘Pure Reward’ for its business success in 2008. For more information, please contact: Wachiraporn Pornpityalert Saowapa Sukuntee / Pishnu Plaikaew Gaysorn Hill & Knowlton Thailand Tel. 0-2656-1516 ext. 302 Tel. 0-2627-3501 ext. 191, 154 Fax. 0-2656-1533 Fax. 0-2627-3510 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]