Italian leather upholstery powerhouse Natuzzi says it will continue its aggressive retail growth from last year into 2017.

In 2016, Natuzzi opened 54 Natuzzi stores worldwide. Those include 17 in Europe, 11 in the Americas and 26 in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing its total at year's end to 396.

Look for that to keep going this year. In January, two Natuzzi Italia stores opened in Spain. In addition Natuzzi branded retail stores are planned to open in China, Brazil, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the United States throughout the year. The company will continue with the rationalization of its retail network to maintain a balanced portfolio of the right stores in the right places.

This focus and continued investment is part of Natuzzi’s objective to boost branded sales and control its entire value chain. In line with this strategy, the Natuzzi Group announced the creation of a new Natuzzi division headed by Nazzario Pozzi. Pozzi is now responsible for all brand and retail activities including product development, marketing, merchandising and sales.

In addition, between 2016 and the first few weeks of 2017, the company acquired eight Natuzzi Italia stores in the U.S. (seven in Florida and one in Pennsylvania), three in Mexico and five Divani & Divani by Natuzzi stores in Italy.

“Now, we must capitalize our brand awareness by increasing our retail expansion,” said Pasquale Natuzzi, chairman and CEO of Natuzzi Spa. “Our goal is to build a closer relationship with the customer, continuing to offer unparalleled quality and a unique shopping experience through our stores.”

(Source:furnituretoday.com)