RIMOWA Group Enjoys Increased Sales Growth

NEW YORK, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- RIMOWA Group reported total sales of roughly $142 million (euro 100 million) for the 2010 business year. This corresponds to a net income growth of roughly 16% over 2009. RIMOWA GmbH's annual sales rose by 40% year-on-year to $112 million (euro 79 million).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110321/NY68890 )

RIMOWA is a premium German luggage maker producing out of Cologne since 1898. The brand pioneered the use of aluminum and polycarbonate materials in luggage and still employs these materials today. Through innovation, they continually strive to improve both the functionality and overall design of their products in order to provide superior luggage. (www.RIMOWA.com)

"Last year was the best we have ever had. Our companies in North and South America still have tremendous potential and we have a very positive view of the development of these markets," said Dieter Morszeck, Managing Director and grandson of the founder of RIMOWA.

In 2010, approximately 460,000 cases were produced and sold at select retailers, RIMOWA stores and flagship stores in over 65 countries around the world. The manufacturing of aluminum cases at the production plant in Cologne, much of which is done by hand, constitutes approx. 25% of overall production. The constant growth is being flanked by an expansion of existing production facilities and the hiring of numerous new employees. In 2010, RIMOWA Group employed 850 people worldwide.

RIMOWA also celebrated two anniversaries in 2010: the 60-year anniversary of the aluminum suitcase with their signature grooves, and the 10-year anniversary of polycarbonate suitcases. Two awards from the United States further sweetened the anniversary celebrations. Travel+Leisure magazine named the Salsa Deluxe collection the "Best Luggage", and the Travel Goods Association awarded Salsa Air first place for product innovation.

2010 was also highlighted by the opening of RIMOWA's flagship store in Cologne. Located near the famous cathedral, the store spans roughly 2,700 square feet across two floors, which is RIMOWA's largest retail shop, and houses the first RIMOWA museum, presenting the entire history of the venerable Cologne-based company for visitors to experience.

2011 has also gotten off to a successful start: In addition to this February's opening of the new RIMOWA store in Osaka, another flagship is slated to open in Milan at the end of March. There are currently 43 RIMOWA stores at around the world and more to follow in 2011.

RIMOWA – Germany since 1898

SOURCE RIMOWA