Manolo Blahnik Opens First Store in China

Manolo Blahnik has opened its first store in mainland China at Shanghai's Plaza 66 after a 22-year legal battle over trademark rights. The opening marks a significant milestone for the luxury shoe brand, which plans to establish a new store annually in China for the next five years, targeting Beijing and Chengdu next. This expansion follows a favorable ruling from China's Supreme People’s Court that allowed the brand to reclaim its trademark, which had been registered by a local businessman in 1999. Despite challenges faced by the luxury sector in China, with sales declining due to weak consumer confidence, Blahnik remains optimistic about tapping into the $5 billion luxury footwear market. The new store showcases exclusive styles and reflects the brand's heritage and craftsmanship, with Kristina Blahnik, the CEO, emphasizing the importance of this growth in China. The brand also recently opened two stores in Hong Kong, reinforcing its commitment to the region.