Il Bisonte plans to open shops in Asia

Italian leather goods label Il Bisonte, owned by UK investment fund Palamon since 2015, plans to open a directly owned shop in Hong Kong as a way into China.

Founded by Wanny Di Filippo in 1970, the company expects to close this year with revenue exceeding €27 million (US$32 million), says CEO Sofia Ciucchi, who was appointed in January. This would be up 27 per cent on last year’s revenue.

As well as eyeing Asia, the brand has growth plans closer to home. It will open an 800sqm showroom next month on the top floor of Florence’s historic Palazzo Corsini, with a launch event celebrating the fact that Il Bisonte’s entire output is produced with a 30km radius of the city. The showroom will also house the company’s offices, while manufacturing and product development remain in Pontassieve.

At the end of next month Il Bisonte will open a six-month pop-up store in Rue St Honore, Paris, and its two permanent Parisian stores will be later renovated.

Overseas plans include a possible second store in London and an opening in the US, most likely New York.

Another main focus for the label is e-commerce, to which end it will expand its manufacturing and logistics infrastructure next year, building a 2000sqm warehouse in Pontassieve.