Colmar is celebrating its 100th anniversary and advancing towards 115 million euros in business. The company was established on October 31st, 1923, in Monza by Mario and Irma Colombo as Manifattura Mario Colombo. Since the 1930s, Colmar has been integrating the world of skiwear and has gradually become a well-regarded brand in the outdoor clothing industry for both mountain and lifestyle wear. A successful sales performance confirms the growth of the business. To celebrate, a special artist capsule collection and other initiatives will be launched. Expansion projects are planned, both in Italy and abroad. Carlo Colombo,ceo of Manifattura Mario Colombo & C. S.p.A., along with his brother Giulio and the third generation of their family, discussed these developments in an interview with MFF.
What does this anniversary mean for the company?
It marks 100 years of tradition, transformation, cohesion and numerous accomplishments, all of which are worth celebrating. We take pride not just in creating the brand but also in maintaining it over the years, while always putting human values and product development at the core with current materials and styles. A significant proportion of the fourth generation has joined us, as they are extremely passionate about it. It sets the stage for the future. Above all, we have never opened our capital to outside investors, and we currently have no intention of doing so. Our financial standing is secure.
What are your revenue estimates for the current year?
We recorded 105 million euros in revenue and a 5% ebitda for the past 12 months. By 2023, we aim to reach 115 million euros in revenue (a 9.5% increase) and achieve an ebitda of 4-5%. Additionally, online sales are expected to increase from 9% to 10% of total sales.
How has your product evolved over time?
Our consumer base is broad, ranging from high school students to active adults. Since the 1920s, we have transitioned from workwear to anoraks. In 2009, we introduced the Colmar originals line, featuring lightweight city down jackets that have been popular with younger customers and now account for 75% of our sales. We also added functional skiwear to our offerings. Today our focus is on creating a complete look that incorporates both sportiness and fashion.
How did the collaboration with Joshua Vides for the celebratory capsule collection come about?
We aimed to partner with trendy artists who are not linked to our industry. We found the concept of integrating the vitality of this UsS artist intriguing for a particular project that appeals to the younger generation.
Are there any other initiatives that you have planned for the centennial celebration?
We created a special website and awarded two scholarships to Polytechnic University of Milan and the European institute of design (Ied). We will hold a special employee event in Milan on October 31st. Additionally, a mural has been created on Corso Garibaldi as part of the centennial campaign.
How is production currently organized?
We have a product development and prototyping department located at our headquarters on Via Olimpia 3, in Monza. Production is selectively relocated from the Far East to the Mediterranean basin. We maintain expertise in our products and control of the raw materials.
What is new on the foreign front?
In foreign markets, we are having success with exports, with Central Europe being among our primary markets, accounting for 40% of sales. We will increase investment in Germany and Austria by revising wholesale distribution through direct control instead of agents. Additionally, we changed partners in Switzerland, the Us, and Canada to strengthen these markets.
Are you planning retail expansion?
Our company will open a new store at the end of this year in Milan’s Cascina Merlata, located in the new Merlata bloom mall. This location will be our first store within a mall. It follows recent openings in Turin earlier this year and Innsbruck last April.
Do you have any further expansion plans?
We plan to redevelop the saddling area of Monza Park for sports use by spring of 2024. Additionally, with the hiring of a new sustainability manager, we will set new Environmental, Social, Governance (esg) goals. We have incorporated materials made from recycled or certified yarns and have enforced the Extended Producer Responsibility (Epr), code of ethics, and compliance regulations. In the coming month, we will obtain additional certifications related to safety and the environment.
Joshua Vides’ touch
«Everything sounds good in Italy» Joshua Vides explained the collaboration between Colmar and the capsule collection designed for the brand’s 100th anniversary. The California artist, who has streetwear background with Clsc brand, customized 10 top-selling clothing items with his artistic touch. The collection includes two jackets and a reversible padded vest, featuring a modified version of the original Colmar logo in black and white on one side and completely black on the other. The 70s Ceffa jacket, previously worn by champion Erwin Stricker, has been brought back to life with a cashmere jacquard knit. The collection includes caps, pants, a scarf, a sweatshirt, and a T-shirt embellished with medals. It is available for purchase at Antonia, Colmar stores, and the company’s website. (All rights reserved)
Orario di pubblicazione: 13/10/2023 10:28
Ultimo aggiornamento: 13/10/2023 10:42
