Marcolin reaps profit from designersÕ flair

Italian eyewear business Marcolin Ð which markets Dolce & Gabbana Eyewear and other optical brands Ð reported turnover up 7.7 per cent for the first half of 2002, at E89.6m.
The company said that results were helped by sales increases in Italy and the rest of Europe, and Ôa decidedly aggressive marketing policyÕ according to a company spokesman.
Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana Eyewear were singled out as especially profitable, both contributing a double-figure percentage rise in turnover.
In addition, MarcolinÕs performance in the US was viewed by the company as ÔoutstandingÕ. After a major reorganisation of all its North American activities turnover rose for Marcolin USA from E30.4m in the first half of 2001, to E34.1m this year.
Marcolin SpA increased turnover to E37.2m, compared to E33.5m, an improvement of 11 per cent.
Managing director Antonio Bortuzzo commented that the results overall would allow the company to move forward with plans for reorganisation and improvement in management efficiency.
ÔLooking at the 2002 first half figures,Õ he said, Ôand the turnover the group attained in the months of July and August, in spite of a still unsteady economic scenario, they confirm the marketÕs appreciation for the products that Marcolin places on the market.Õ