Zippo apparel products introduced into the Chinese market

US local time March 17 hearing, the United States well-known lighter manufacturer Zippo Manufacturing plans to bring its American costume products into the Chinese market.

It is reported that this family-owned company, famous for its production of windproof metal lighters, is embarking on a series of American-style men's clothing and accessories. Currently, Zippo only owns a clothing store in the United States, but it plans to build five flagship stores in China by the end of the year. The company's president, George Duke, said that the five flagship stores will be located in Beijing and Shanghai. The first store in Beijing will open in September this year. In addition, Zippo plans to add 50 stores in China's first- and second-tier cities by the end of 2015.

It is understood that Zippo began exporting lighters with American flags and eagles on the surface of the Asian region about a decade ago. The store expansion plan will undoubtedly open a new chapter in its corporate transformation. The company’s annual sales in 1986 were 70 million U.S. dollars. By 1996, this figure had soared to 100 million U.S. dollars. At present, its total operating revenue, including domestic and foreign markets, is stable at about 200 million U.S. dollars. In addition to the United States, China is Zippo’s largest international market, accounting for 10% of its total global turnover. Last year, Zippo performed extremely well in the Chinese market. Its sales increased by 50%, exceeding the previous sales target of 10 million US dollars. This year, the company expects sales to increase by 10% from the previous year.