Principal player in the international pearl trade, Golay Group, has further expanded its distribution network with the opening of its new office in Shanghai, bringing the total number of Golay offices worldwide to 18.

The Shanghai office, operational since March 2002, has the long-term objective to build the visibility of Golay Group in China, and to establish Golay as the ultimate name for quality pearls in the China market, managing director of Golay Hong Kong, Hanspeter Pieth, said.

China is a vast country with a population of 1,255 million, and it is estimated that over 150 million have a disposable income for luxury goods. It is undoubtedly the market of strongest potential and promises significant business growth, Mr Pieth said. "But we understand the importance of strategy and patience in developing this vast market of high complexity. We will go step by step.

“To start with, we will further expand the current distribution network of Golay Pearls in major cities in China. Golay Collection, our newly launched line of high-end pearl jewellery, will also be introduced to the China market,” Mr Pieth said.

Educational seminars on pearls will be an intrinsic part of Golay's long-term quality campaign in order to bring clarity and build trust among jewellery professionals in China, he said.

Golay Pearls Magazine, a privileged communication tool between the Group and its retail partners, will be available in Chinese language for the first time.

Golay Shanghai has appointed Caroline Xu as business development manager. Ms Xu brings with her more than 10 years of sales experience in high-end products. “She is a determined lady with high ambitions and strong convictions. I am confident that she will achieve amply the tasks entrusted to her,” Mr Pieth said.

Mr Pieth will supervise the overall business development of Golay in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

The 18 wholesale offices of Golay are in Lausanne, Munich, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Vicenza and Milan in Europe; New York; Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka and Fukuoka in Japan; Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in Asia.

For further information and a high-resolution map of Golay's wholesale offices worldwide, please contact [email protected].




Source: Golay press release
March 2002