Swatch Group LTD, The in Luxury Goods - World: January 2011
Swatch Group LTD, The in Luxury Goods - World: January 2011
Swatch Group LTD, The in Luxury Goods - World: January 2011
Goods - World
January 2011
Downloaded from
www.warc.com
Euromonitor International
Scope
Figures reflect the sum of markets researched by Euromonitor International
Disclaimer
Learn More
Euromonitor International
Strategic Evaluation
Market Assessment
Luxury Jewellery and Timepieces
Luxury Accessories
Super Premium Beauty and Personal Care
Brand Strategy
Operations
Recommendations
Downloaded from www.warc.com
Strategic Evaluation
Euromonitor International
Biel, Switzerland
Regional
involvement
Worldwide
Category
Involvement
Year End
December
CHF5. 1 billion
-9.4%
Strategic Evaluation
Euromonitor International
represented a decline of more than 9% over the previous fiscal year. The companys watch segment sales fell by
nearly 8%; however, this still represented a better result than the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, which
reported a fall in export sales of around 22% in 2009. This suggests Swatch actually gained market share during this
period in terms of Swiss watch exporters. Net income reached CHF763 million, which represented a decline of 9%
over 2008.
In the face of declining demand for its timepieces, Swatch resisted discounting in order to drive volume sales. On a
geographic basis, only Greater China continued to see growth in fiscal 2009 over 2008. Sales in this region grew by
9% in 2008-2009. In terms of the companys luxury brands, Omega performed very well in 2009 with record sales,
driven by the expansion of its retail network. Blancpain, another of Swatchs luxury brands, increased sales in the
Chinese market in 2009. Meanwhile, Breguet opened five new locations in the fiscal year, including ones in Asia and
in Russia.
Strategic Evaluation
Euromonitor International
Strategic Evaluation
Euromonitor International
making industry. According to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, exports in value terms in October grew by
18% over the same period in 2009.
The Swiss watch industry is on track for a record year in 2011 according to the Federation, and Swatchs results are
strong evidence in support of this. Sales for Swatch have not been undermined by the strong Swiss franc. While the
Federation has pointed to some manufacturers having reduced their margins in order to drive sales, Swatch in the
first half of 2010 actually saw an increase in operating margin to 22.5% over the same period in 2009.
Much of the growth for the industry as a whole and for Swatch is driven by Asian demand. The Federations latest
forecasts suggest that this region will account for 52% of all overseas sales, up from 48% in 2009. The Chinese are
the industrys largest consumers, with Hong Kong the single largest market in terms of value sales for exports of
Swiss watches and mainland China ranking fourth behind the US and France in the month of October.
Strategic Evaluation
Euromonitor International
Electronics Division
Strengths Weaknesses
Opportunities Threats
Asian Opportunities
Tiffany & Co
Strategic Evaluation
Euromonitor International
Vertical Integration
Euromonitor International
Strategic Evaluation
Market Assessment
Luxury Jewellery and Timepieces
Luxury Accessories
Super Premium Beauty and Personal Care
Brand Strategy
Operations
Recommendations
Downloaded from www.warc.com
10
Market Assessment
Euromonitor International
is made clear in the chart below. Premium goods depend heavily on such factors as consumer confidence. Buoyant
economic times make consumers more willing to spend larger sums of money on products which are not essential but
highly valued for the aspirational qualities. In the US market, the bursting of the property bubble in many parts of the
country has left consumers feeling vulnerable. Media reports of job redundancies make them worry about their jobs,
and personal expenditure on watches, premium spirits and super premium cosmetics become less of a priority.
Where once, consumers were happy to accumulate personal debt sustained by the belief in the robustness of the
value of their houses, and secure in their jobs, they were suddenly hit by negative reports surrounding both.
In China, however, growth is expected throughout the forecast period. Over the 2010-2015 period in Russia, following
a sharp contraction, the market for luxury goods is expected to post a CAGR of 7%, while in India, luxury goods are
predicted to grow at a CAGR of 21%.
11
Market Assessment
Euromonitor International
category represents almost all of Swatchs net sales in luxury goods. Within this category the company is
predominantly involved in luxury timepieces. However, it is also present in luxury jewellery with its Omega range,
which extends to jewellery as well as to timepieces. Omegas Griffes Constellation Collection of luxury jewellery
included rings, necklaces and bracelets.
Luxury accessories represents a very modest category for Swatch in luxury goods. However, it markets a range of
fine leather accessories including wallets, watch boxes and luxury bags. Luxury accessories is expected to grow at a
CAGR of more than 3% over the 2010-2015 period.
In super premium beauty and personal care, Swatchs only interest is in fragrances. In 2009, Swatch launched its first
ever fragrance with Aqua Terra Eau de Toilette pour Homme. The fragrance was available solely through Omega
boutiques.
12
Market Assessment
Euromonitor International
expected to grow at a CAGR of 2% over 2010-2015. Sales in Swatchs most important category luxury jewellery
and timepieces - even in Western Europe are heavily influenced by Chinese shoppers abroad. In Asia Pacific, the
CAGR is expected to reach 4%. Sales of luxury jewellery and timepieces in Western Europe and Asia Pacific are
predicted to grow at CAGRs of nearly 4% and 10% respectively.
Both China and the US are key target markets for Swatch. Swatch intends to open 50 new stores across China in the
first half of 2011. With the US dollar weaker than historic levels and with a market correction in real estate bringing
down the cost of retail locations in the US, Swatch intends to open nine new Omega boutiques there. Luxury goods
overall in North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 2% over 2010-2015.
Swatch has also expanded in Eastern Europe with new boutique openings in Russia and a move to bigger
headquarters in Poland including enhanced customer service. This region is expected to post a CAGR of 7%.
13
Euromonitor International
Strategic Evaluation
Market Assessment
Luxury Jewellery and Timepieces
Luxury Accessories
Super Premium Beauty and Personal Care
Brand Strategy
Operations
Recommendations
Downloaded from www.warc.com
14
Euromonitor International
category in isolation. The US market is expected to post the strongest growth in the mens category. Given that
Swatch plans to open nine new Omega boutiques between autumn 2010 and spring 2011 with a further 15 locations
expected to open from spring 2011 onwards, this is good news for the company. For firms that retrenched in the US
market during the 2008-2010 period, now represents a good time to rethink future investment in this market.
Following a period of decline in this market in 2007-2008, mens luxury timepieces has posted consistent growth. The
pace of this growth is expected to pick up from 2010 onwards.
Swatch is shifting its distribution model in the US market towards direct operation. Prior to this rapid expansion, the
company operated only one stand-alone Omega store in New York, although it operated previously through 120
franchise partners. The company chose to move away from indirect distribution in order to control its brand image in
this market. Outside of the Omega brand, Swatch maintains the Tourbillon network of stores, which focuses
exclusively on Swatchs range of luxury watches. At the end of 2009, Swatch counted 18 of these retail points. They
were further enhanced by the addition of the Tiffany & Co range of watches in 2009. The chain positions itself in
premium shopping districts worldwide such as Wall Street in New York.
15
Euromonitor International
to expand by US$139 million over the 2010-2015 period. Spain and China will follow with growth of US$68 million and
US$50 million respectively over the same period.
The influence of the Chinese on the luxury timepieces market will be the single most important factor in shaping
opportunity for companies such as Swatch. As purchasing power among the Chinese increases, with the renminbi
having appreciated in recent months and with a strong possibility of further appreciation, there is considerable
demand for luxury goods in general including luxury timepieces. For Chinese consumers, these products are seen as
investments, and high price tags act as a mark of quality rather than a deterrent. In the Turkish market, growth in
disposable income is also taking place, although on a much smaller scale.
South Korean sales of womens luxury timepieces are predicted to increase by US$42 million. In 2010, Glashtte
Original, one of Swatchs key luxury brands, entered the South Korean market for the first time. It is also testment to
the importance of the South Korean market to Swatch that it was chosen as one of the first markets for the launch of
the new Tiffany & Co watch collection in 2009.
16
Euromonitor International
The strongest growth in womens luxury rings will be in India, with sales expected to expand by US$397 million.
Globally, luxury jewellery is expected to grow by US$1.3 billion. As mentioned previously, jewellery is a small but
growing category for Swatch. It has entered the jewellery category through its Omega and Breguet ranges. Outside of
luxury, Swatch is active in jewellery through its ck range, which it produces through a joint venture with Calvin Klein.
Given the strong growth in luxury rings, much of which is derived from sales of wedding and engagement rings,
Swatch should ensure that through its Omega and Breguet ranges, this category is appropriately covered. Breguet
maintains four boutiques in the Indian market, which will lead growth in this category in Chennai, Mumbai, New
Delhi and Bangalore. Swatch has made a good decision in ensuring that its coverage in this market is not just limited
to the first-tier cities. Much of the growth will come from second-tier cities, where a rising class of entrepreneurs have
seen their disposable incomes grow.
17
Euromonitor International
Strategic Evaluation
Market Assessment
Luxury Jewellery and Timepieces
Luxury Accessories
Super Premium Beauty and Personal Care
Brand Strategy
Operations
Recommendations
Downloaded from www.warc.com
18
Luxury Accessories
Euromonitor International
and luxury bags. The company does not heavily promote these products, which are available exclusively through its
international Omega flagship boutiques. The US market is predicted to lead global growth in luxury accessories over
2010-2015, with sales expanding by US$2.3 billion. Distribution of these products will increase in markets such as the
US, as part of a wider expansion plan for Omega stores in this market. At the global level, however, they are unlikely
to ever be a significant focus for the company.
One strategy which Swatch could employ if it were to choose to expand in this category would be to partner with a
well-known designer in a collaberation much as Bulgari has recently done with Matthew Williamson. Bulgari, which is
predominantly a jewellery and timepiece producer, chose to expand in luxury accessories. The attractions of the
category are numerous. High margins, low seasonality and relatively low risk in size assortment make this an
attractive revenue stream for many luxury goods producers.
The Chinese market is set to be among the top performers in luxury accessories, with sales predicted to expand by
US$319 million. Given that this market like the US will be a major focus for Swatch going forward with 50 boutique
openings over the autumn 2010-spring 2011 period, it should consider including its luxury accessories range in its
product line-up here.
19
Luxury Accessories
Euromonitor International
forecast period. Presently, Swatch is not involved in this category but should strongly consider moving into both sun
glasses and optical glasses. However, it is unlikely that any move into this category will qualify as luxury.
While Swatch has a range of luxury watch collections, its most widely recognised brand is Swatch, which would not
justify a luxury price tag. Those luxury goods producers, which have successfully moved into this category, Gucci,
Prada, Chanel, all benefit from luxury brands, which enjoy very wide consumer recognition. The Breguet or Blancpain
brands, while highly respected among luxury timepiece buyers, are not widely recognised by the general public. The
only possibility for Swatch would be to extend the Omega brand into this category, as this brand has the highest
consumer profile. Swatch has also already extended this brand into other luxury accessories categories, e.g. bags,
wallets.
Womens luxury handbags is predicted to grow by more than US$1.2 billion over 2010-2015. This is one category in
which Swatch is not involved. It does market a range of mens luxury bags under the Omega brand. As previously
suggested, in order to compete in this crowded marketplace against brands with a fashion heritage - Hermes, Chlo,
a collaberation with a well-known designer may be the best strategy.
20
Euromonitor International
Strategic Evaluation
Market Assessment
Luxury Jewellery and Timepieces
Luxury Accessories
Super Premium Beauty and Personal Care
Brand Strategy
Operations
Recommendations
Downloaded from www.warc.com
21
Euromonitor International
the mens fragrances category. Currently, the company has not hinted at any plans to move into womens fragrances,
although this would represent the most logical next step. Its Aqua Terra Eau de Toilette pour Homme will need to
expand distribution if it hopes to compete with other brands in mens fragrances. Swatch has not invested significantly
in promoting this product, limiting it to Omega boutiques.
Fragrances is set to see the strongest absolute growth is Russia, with sales expanding by US$68 million over 20102015. Swatch should consider expanding the availability to its entire distribution network to maximise sales. The
company has a chain of monobrand boutiques in Russia, not just under the Omega banner. It also has established a
Russian subsidiary, which gives it direct control over its retail network in this market. Swatch should ensure it makes
room for its fragrances throughout its retail network.
In the Indian market, where super premium fragrances is expected to grow by US$22 million, Swatch should leverage
its planned expansion of the mid-priced Rado watch brand, which currently has 14 monobrand stores in India. Swatch
has announced plans to open six new Rado outlets in 2011. Again, this is an opportunity to increase distribution for
Swatch fragrances.
22
Euromonitor International
Strategic Evaluation
Market Assessment
Luxury Jewellery and Timepieces
Luxury Accessories
Super Premium Beauty and Personal Care
Brand Strategy
Operations
Recommendations
Downloaded from www.warc.com
23
Brand Strategy
Euromonitor International
the moon. At the Baselworld trade fair in 2009, Omega invited four of the 12 astronauts who participated in the first
moon landing in 1969. Furthermore, The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation allowed Omega to use the Kennedy
image in its campaign to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the moon landing. Swatch also promoted the 10th
anniversary of Omegas Co-Axial technology, using brand ambassadors such as Cindy Crawford, George Clooney,
Nicole Kidman and Michael Phelps in the advertising campaign.
In terms of brand ambassadors, Swatch frequently uses regionally well-known celebrities when launching ranges into
overseas markets. The launch of the Constellation range for Omega was supported by Cindy Crawford in London,
while the Shanghai launch featured the Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi.
Omega benefited from the most aggressive advertising among the Swatch luxury brands. Other luxury brands
including Blancpain, Breguet, Glashtte Original, Jaquet Droz and Lon Hatot focused on the launch of limited
editions, new model additions and expansion of their retail networks to drive sales.
The exception to this was the new Tiffany & Co range, launched in 2009, which was accompanied by an advertising
campaign. The collection was first unveiled at Baselworld 2009.
24
Euromonitor International
Strategic Evaluation
Market Assessment
Luxury Jewellery and Timepieces
Luxury Accessories
Super Premium Beauty and Personal Care
Brand Strategy
Operations
Recommendations
Downloaded from www.warc.com
25
Operations
Euromonitor International
Operations
Vertical Integration
Swatch operates through three divisions - Watches & Jewellery, Production and Electronic Systems. The companys
Production division includes the manufacture of chronological watch movements and components. Electronic
Systems engages in the design and development of electronic components and systems related to watches as well
as to ultra low power consumption, miniaturisation and very high precision. The company also increasingly took direct
control over its distribution and retail network, establishing its first wholly-owned South African subsidiary, expanding
its Tech Airport retail network and increasing its stake in Chinese watch distributor/retailer Hengdeli in 2009. This
makes Swatch among the most vertically integrated of the luxury goods producers. As of 31 December 2009, Swatch
employed 23,562 people, down from 24,270 in 2008.
The Swatch Group maintains 156 production centres making it the worlds largest watch producer. As well as
producing all the models sold through its 19 brands, Swatch also supplies parts and components to other watch
makers. From 2000, the Swatch Group added new jewellery producing from design through to production through its
Dress Your Body SA (DYB) operation.
Swatch Group Assembly is the Groups watch assembly company. It operates assembly facilities in Saint-Imier and
Genestrerio, Switzerland. The former acts as a technological centre of excellence for the Swatch Group and in
particular serves the Groups luxury brands, for which it pre-assembles complex parts.
In 2010, Swatch consolidated Frdric Piguet SA, a company employing 481 people under the Blancpain brand as it
sought to increase the brands capacity for component and movements.
Investment in Production
Swatch announced in December 2010, plans to build a new production site at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, at a
projected cost of CHF10 million. The new site will consolidate all activities of the companys watch hands subsidiary
Universo in Chaux-de-Fonds. Currently, Universo occupies three sites within the town.
26
Euromonitor International
Strategic Evaluation
Market Assessment
Luxury Jewellery and Timepieces
Luxury Accessories
Super Premium Beauty and Personal Care
Brand Strategy
Operations
Recommendations
Downloaded from www.warc.com
27
Recommendations
Euromonitor International
28
Euromonitor International
Contact Euromonitor
To find out more about Euromonitor International's complete range of business intelligence on industries, countries
and consumers please visit www.euromonitor.com or contact your local Euromonitor International office:
London
Chicago
Singapore
Shanghai
Vilnius
Dubai
29