Gucci Sales to Plunge 20% Due to Slowdown in Asia

Sales at Gucci are expected to fall by 20 per cent in the first quarter due to a slowdown in Asia. That’s according to its Paris-based owner Kering.

The warning contrasts with rivals LVMH and Hermès whose sales have remained resilient.

The luxury market has grown in the past decade but sales have not been as impressive in recent years.

Gucci is estimated to get more than a third of its sales from China, whose economy has been struggling.

Kering said in a statement that the profit warning “reflects a steeper sales drop at Gucci, notably in the Asia-Pacific region”.

The firm is scheduled to report its financial results on April 23.

Gucci accounted for two-thirds of group operating income last year. Kering’s other brands include Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta.

Last month, Kering reported that its net profit last year fell by 17 per cent. Its shares have fallen by more than 23 per cent over the past year.

In comparison, its bigger rival LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon and Hennessy, posted higher-than-expected sales for 2023.