kikki.K defies negative retail trend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

kikki.K defies negative retail trend:
68 per cent annual growth, 300 new jobs, 25 new stores for Middle East

• 68 per cent growth in year-on-year turnover
• Local expansion creates 300 new jobs
• 25 new stores for Middle East over next three years
• Fourth NZ store opens in Wellington

Melbourne based fashion stationery retailer kikki.K is defying the current negative retail trend with 68 per cent year-on-year growth, and an opening at the new Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping complex.

kikki.K founder Kristina Karlsson says while many retailers are struggling, it’s not all doom and gloom.

“We’re fortunate to still be experiencing strong growth, even in these uncertain times,” she says.

“Every time I open the paper I read a negative headline or statistic, so we’re thrilled to be able to share some positive news, and I’m glad for the industry as a whole that it’s not all despair.”

In the last 12 months, 11 new kikki.K stores have opened, and with national and international expansion the business has employed 300 new people.

Karlsson is looking forward to a strong December, despite recent reports of retail downturn, and credits her team as key to growth of the business.

“It’s really all about making beautiful products for our customers, and with Christmas approaching people are coming to us for gorgeous gifts that are unique,” says Karlsson.

“One of our secrets of growth is our wonderful team... We strive to provide world class service for every customer, and we have a team of people passionate about what they are doing.”

According to the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) 2008 Christmas retail survey released this week, more than two thirds of consumers will spend the same or more than last year this Christmas.

Growth for kikki.K shows no sign of slowing.

A recently signed agreement will see 25 new kikki.K stores open in the Middle East over the next three years, nearly doubling the existing retail operation of 31 privately owned stores in Australia and New Zealand.

Next month kikki.K will open at Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping complex at 5.9 million sq feet, featuring nearly every major fashion retailer in the world.

kikki.K recently forecast 102 per cent growth in online sales for Christmas at www.kikki-k.com.au, and early indications show the online business will exceed expectations.

“Our team is so busy fulfilling online orders in time to go under the Christmas tree... Our customers love the convenience of online shopping, especially at this hectic time of year,” says Karlsson.

Karlsson, the 2007 Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year, opened her first kikki.K boutique in Melbourne in 2001, just a few years after arriving in Australia from Sweden. Having convinced her partner to sell his house to fund her business idea, she has gone on to win numerous awards for her unique retail concept.

ENDS

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