MAPIC: Tell us a little about KIKO
Tobias Karlsson: KIKO Milano was founded in 1997 in Milan and since then has revolutionised how cosmetics are sold globally. We identify the major beauty trends of the moment and make them accessible to people across four continents and we are available already in 67 markets, with an extensive network of over 1,100 stores.
Combining the quality and creativity rooted in our Italian DNA, KIKO offers an endless range of shades, tones and textures satisfying every professional and personal make-up requirement. Last year we closed with nearly €800 million in net sales and +19% year-on-year growth, following an already impressive preceding year in 2022 where we grew +43% year-on-year globally.
KIKO Milano Stores
MAPIC: What are your plans for the next 12 months?
Tobias Karlsson: KIKO has multiple expansion plans, through entering new categories and further expanding our retail network. Over the next couple of years, we expect to open no less than 100 new stores, and enter at least a dozen new markets.
KIKO Milano Stores
MAPIC: What are your main objectives for the year?
Tobias Karlsson: We expect to continue to have double digit growth for the current year thanks to a variety of strategies. This year we entered a new beauty category, hair care, with Rossano Ferretti by KIKO Milano, with great success in all the markets in which it launched. And this is just the start of our ambitious assortment expansion.
We are also expanding our presence in the US via our own stores and through third party retailers for expansion, plus through collaborations like the recent Bridgerton x KIKO Milano Collection. Finally, we will focus on successfully opening in various new markets, while continuing our drive to expand our retailer network within our current growth markets across all four continents where we operate.
Written by : Mark Faithfull
