Though it may lack the hustle and bustle of New York or London, Milan is waking up and re-establishing itself as a major fashion capital with a retailing force to be reckoned with. A surge in the number of new mono-label stores is taking the city by storm. But it does not end here. There's an exciting new energy in Milan with top designers showing a strong desire to be seen as good retailers,'' said Andrea Ciccoli, a fashion consultant at Milan-based Bain, Cuneo and Associates.
Newcomers are a lot more attentive to retail.
They have strong strategies and see a store as a means to be closer to the customer,'' he added. Even established mono-labels are feeling a need to stay ahead of the competition by opening new stores. When Antonio Fusco opens shop on the Via Sant'Andrea at the end of March, it will feature both men's and women's lines as well as eyewear, leather goods and shoes. The German designer Jil Sander sees Milan as the best place to expand her global store network. Her first Milan flagship will be unveiled in August on the snug Via Verri.