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From modest beginnings at the end of the 19th century, the Gucci company became one of the world’s most successful manufacturers of high-end leather goods, clothing, and other fashion products. As an immigrant in Paris and then London, working in exclusive hotels, young Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) was impressed with the luxurious luggage he saw sophisticated guests bring with them. Upon returning to his birthplace of Florence, a city distinguished for high-quality materials and skilled artisans, he established a shop in 1920 that sold fine leather goods with classic styling. Although Gucci organized his workrooms for industrial methods of production, he maintained traditional aspects of fabrication. Initially Gucci employed skilled workers in basic Florentine leather crafts, attentive to finishing. With expansion, machine stitching was a production method that supported construction.
With the great value and class he put in his products, Gucci became famous as leather goods manufacturer. Together with his sons, he opened up more stores to serve other clients around Europe. Now, Gucci is producing bags, belts, shoes, and other accessories. With its excellent reputation, Gucci is frequently copied by other manufacturers but what make Gucci products distinct from others is its high-priced exclusive goods.
Also Gucci’s stores featured such finely crafted leather accessories as handbags, shoes, and his iconic ornamented loafer as well as silks and knitwear in a signature pattern.
Aldo and Rodolfo Gucci further expanded the company’s horizons in 1953 by establishing offices in New York City. Film stars and jet-set travelers to Italy during the 1950s and 1960s brought their glamour to Florence, turning Gucci’s merchandise into international status symbols. Movie stars posed in Gucci’s clothing, accessories, and footwear for lifestyle magazines around the world, contributing to the company’s growing reputation.
Gucci generated circa US$9.8 billion worldwide of revenue in 2008 according to BusinessWeek magazine and climbed to 45th position in the magazine's annual "Top 100 Brands" chart created by Interbrand Gucci is also the biggest-selling Italian brand in the world. Gucci operates about 425 stores worldwide and it wholesales its products through franchisees and upscale department stores.
A brief introduction of how the business started
Guccio Gucci started with a simple living. He worked in an exclusive hotel were almost all the guests are rich and famous. He was impressed by the luggage of the guest because these are made of high quality materials and skilled craftsmanship. He considered that as an inspiration so he put up a shop in 1920 that sold goods made of fine leather and classic designs. Gucci wanted to preserve the uniqueness and originality of his products so he had hired skilled workers who manually craft the leather goods. Though he has machines to support his construction and production, he made sure that the products are of best quality.
Achievements attained in term of Market Share, Sales Turnover, Number of Outlets, Recognition, Adoption & Acceptance of Product
In 1979 and 1980, a Miami-based aftermarket company offered the Cadillac Seville by Gucci edition. The exterior included a "facing double G" Gucci logo, an emblem actually featuring Guccio Gucci’s initials, as a hood ornament and the c-pillar covered vinyl roof. The interior had a headliner of the logo and headrests adorned with the logo as well. The dashboard carried the "Gucci script" logo in bold lettering. Inside the trunk was a full set of Gucci luggage.
Tom Ford came to the foundering company with vision and style. Having the strong support of Dominico De Sole, Ford wished to maintain a sense of the company’s history while updating Gucci’s trademarks. In 1994 Ford became responsible for creative direction, and by 1996 he directed all aspects of the company including ready-to-wear clothing, visual merchandising, packaging, interior design, and advertising. Ford and De Sole struggled to restore the former reputation of Gucci, while redirecting the growing brand to a new level for the market of the late 1990s.
Aldo Gucci expanded into new markets including an agreement with American Motors Corporation (AMC). The 1972 and 1973 AMC Hornet compact "Sportabout" station wagon became one of the first American cars to offer a special luxury trim package created by a famous fashion designer. The Gucci cars sported boldly striped green, red, and buff upholstery and on the door panels, as well as the designer's emblems and exterior color selections. American Motors also offered a Pierre Cardin Edition of its Javelin automobile. Gucci recognition is by global fashion industry. And Gucci recognition is bags, handbags, shoes and wallets.
Gucci Group posted a striking 20.3% rise in sales to €1.623 billion, or $2.045 billion, as the Gucci label itself grew by a slightly better rate and turnover at booming Bottega Veneta exploded four times as fast. PPR, the French retail empire that controls Gucci Group, recorded a 7.7% rise in sales to €8.294 billion, or €1.045 billion.
Shopping at one of the Gucci outlet locations is a good way to save money on the company's classic styles. As you probably know, the latest trends from Gucci don't debut at their factory outlet stores. But, then, that really doesn't always matter to women who prefer the more classic looks, anyway. And, too, this fact doesn't mean that you can't find trendier looks in the Gucci outlet stores. New merchandise arrives regularly, and frequent shopping at your favorite Gucci outlet will help you get the pick of the incoming styles.
Here's the listing of Gucci outlet stores;
1.) The Southern California Gucci Outlet
3.) The Florida Gucci Outlet
4.) Maryland Gucci Outlet
5.) The New Jersey Gucci Outlet
6.) The New York Gucci Outlet
7.) The Texas Gucci Outlet
How the product got its name
Gucci got its name from its founder Guccio Gucci.
