Luxury Giant LVMH's Sales Soar To $25-B Despite Losses In China

The world's biggest luxury group has reported strong sales driven by the holiday shopping season, Monica Miller reported for BBC News.

Photo Insert: LVMH brands include Tiffany's, Christian Dior, Sephora, Hennessey and Moët. Its designer label Louis Vuitton did exceptionally well.

LVMH said they experienced a second straight record year with revenue and profits despite geopolitical tensions and the high cost of living. Sales reached almost $25 billion (£19.9 billion), a 9% increase in the final three months of the year.

The company saw strong growth in Europe, the US and Japan which made up for losses in China due to Covid lockdowns.

In Asia, LVMH did experience a 20% drop in growth in the first nine months as the world's second largest economy doubled down on its zero-Covid policy. LVMH chairman and chief executive Bernard Arnault said he felt cautiously optimistic about "green shoots" in China.

"We have every reason to be confident, indeed optimistic about China," Mr Arnault said at the group's earnings presentation. He pointed to their Macau stores as a sign of what could come.

"Business is back, the Chinese are buying," he said.

LVMH brands include Tiffany's, Christian Dior, Sephora, Hennessey and Moët. Its designer label Louis Vuitton did exceptionally well. Its revenue surpassed $21.7 billion for the first time.

The label recently launched a new collaboration with Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, who is known for her art made of colorful dots. LVMH's earnings are viewed by analysts as a bellwether in the luxury market.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic