Louis Vuitton sales don't suffer in downturn

Louis Vuitton sales don't suffer in downturn. San Fransisco Chronicla.By Al Saracevic, Suzanne Herel, Victoria Colliver, Ilana DeBare and Steve Corder.05.25.08.
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"This is a very relevant question today. If you look at what's been disclosed over the last several months by the high-end department stores, and you see their results, there are some challenges clearly in the luxury industry. Some areas in the U.S. seem to be a little bit more challenging than others. But with respect to Vuitton, so far this year has been in double-digit growth. We're continuing with our investment plans as we have laid them out last year. We're not stopping." (Daniel Lalonde, President and Chief Executive Officer of Louis Vuitton North America)

"I'd point out three in particular. We've had a very successful collaboration with (American artist) Richard Prince. These bags are still in our stores. They go from about $2,000 to $5,000. It's a one-shot, meaning it will come in the network, we'll sell them all and it goes away." (Daniel Lalonde, President and Chief Executive Officer of Louis Vuitton North America)

"There's another one in that same vein that is a collaboration with (Japanese artist) Takashi Murakami. Marc Jacobs and Takashi designed a pattern for Vuitton which is based on the monogram, but it's very unique and it's called Monogramoflage. This is not in the stores yet. (It will be available June 15.)" (Daniel Lalonde, President and Chief Executive Officer of Louis Vuitton North America)