Prestigious Austrian crystalware manufacturer Swarovski has unveiled ambitious plans to open between 300 and 500 of its own stores worldwide by 2004/5. These will supplment its existing chain of 150 franchise outlets. The new branches will be located in retail complexes and at prime city centre sites. The stores will each cover an average sales area of 65-70 square metres. Swarovski has already inaugurated flagship outlets in Berlin, London and Paris. Thse will be followed shortly by shops in Milan and Madrid. In addition, the successful retailer opened its third standalone store in the UK, and its first in Scotland, Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries. The expansion programme was announced by Swarovski's communications director Peter N Gheneff at a presentation to publicize the company's cooperation with Palmers, luxury ligerie manufacturers.
