Triumph About To Open 2 Long Island Stores

Triumph held a “media event” (in the words of one executive — meaning that the focus was not on impressing retailers, who were not in attendance in any number) the night of July 18, as part of its expansion plans for the U.S. Most significantly, two Triumph flagship locations are about to open, one in the Roosevelt Fields mall, one in the Walt Whitman mall.

Interestingly, a company press release the next day did not mention the stores. “This Fall 2013, Triumph is making its debut within the US. This is a new phase in their path of international expansion,” it intoned. The Walt Whitman opening will be on the 15th of August, the Roosevelt Fields opening on the 22nd. A Manhattan location is also planned for SoHo. In addition to its own stores, Triumph brand lingerie will be available at various retail stores. Jounelle was mentioned at the party. (BODY will present a photo report on the party shortly).

Founded in Germany 125 years ago, Triumph sells lingerie worldwide under its own brand and under private label. It also operates a number of its own stores, as well as selling to department stores, specialty stores and internet retailers. In the U.K., one executive, Monica Harrington, told us there are seven Triumph stores. In addition to the Triumph label, the privately-held company also owns such brands as Amo, HOM, Sloggi and Valisere. In 2010 the company had an annual sales of 2.2 billion Swiss francs (roughly $2.3 billion). Overall, the company claims “close to 50 subsidiaries serving 120 markets and employing over 35,000 people worldwide.”

“Our tradition has always been innovation and our history is one of progress,” declared Markus Spiesshofer, CEO, managing partner and one of the members of the founding families in the press release. “Introducing ourselves to the discerning American consumer and treating her to the perfect cutting edge designs, impeccable fit and excelling quality of our lines is a natural further development in making our brand available and accessible to women around the globe.”

One executive at the party explained that the flagship stores were a way for the company to show established U.S. retailers how the brand likes itself presented.

According to the company release, “Triumph is bringing the same sensual understanding of individual personalities and styles to the US. Globally known for impeccable fit and product quality. Triumph prides themselves on their dedication to the advancement of technologies and materials found within each season and collection.

As a global leader in alluring lingerie and shape wear, Triumph will continue to strive for the best, with all the dedication and passion for quality that the US customer deserves and rightfully expects.”