Canada lingerie firm gets lift from Arab Spring

(AFP)
–
2 hours ago 

MONTREAL — Canadian retailer La Vie en Rose has discovered an unexpectedly strong demand for its frilly, sexy lingerie among Muslims and is planning a major expansion in Arab countries.

Beneath their abayas and veils, women in Arab countries are apparently wearing the same risque lingerie as women in Canada.

Saudi women are “very fashion conscious,” said vice-president Luc Poirier. “The only notable difference in styles is in nightgowns, which are longer for our Arab clients, below the knees.”

The Montreal-based company already earns 10 percent of its Can$150 million in annual revenues from 55 stores in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Kazakhstan.

But it is expected to triple its store count in the Middle East as part of a major expansion over the next three years, spurred on by recent political changes in the region and with the help of its partner Al Hokair Group.

At a glance, Saudi Arabia may seem like a difficult market for sexy feminine undergarments. Adherence to a strict conservative dress code defined by Islam and tribal customs prohibit women from showing any skin in public, making advertising problematic.

In stores, only men are currently allowed to work as sales clerks and there are no changing rooms for women to try on lingerie.

This is starting to change, noted Poirier. Women in Saudi Arabia will soon be allowed to vote in local elections, as well as work in a broader range of jobs, including retailing. This will mean La Vie en Rose can finally recruit female sales clerks to serve a mostly female clientele in the country.

The company’s next store opening is set for Tunisia, where a revolutionary wave began with the self-immolation of a fruit vendor in protest of police corruption and ill treatment, and spread throughout the Arab world this year.

Copyright © 2011 AFP. All rights reserved.
More »

Share and Enjoy

Freya Lingerie offers finesse like no other brand

When it comes to stunning lingerie, Freya is one name that would be at the top of the list. This eclectic lingerie brand is renowned for outstanding lingerie that is fun and sassy and provides unrivalled support and comfort as well as a level of finesse which defines the brand itself. When it comes to finding the latest offers on the Freya range one particular website stands out as offering a comprehensive array of options at discounted prices and that website is www.upliftedlingerie.co.uk.

The Freya Bras collection includes a wide range of different styles to cater for a diverse array of requirements. An example is the Freya Rio under wired balcony bra, which is a stunning and practical bra which can be utilised for everyday use and which features an underwire facet, that creates additional uplift offering an impressive boost. The thin straps are ideal as they offer excellent support, whilst also providing aesthetic appeal which is unrivalled. The bra comes with an unusual pattern which includes dotted holes and is available up to 38H cup size and is available in black, white and nude colour variations and also comes with the option of beautiful Freya Briefs. An alternative option within the Freya range is the Freya Retro full cup bra which is also available in black, white and nude colour variants and offers an excellent sculpted shape with a plunge appeal which is reminiscent of Hollywood glamour. The bra is manufactured with a soft fabric, and also includes a metal love heart, which is centrally located to give the bra an additional appeal.

The Freya range is comprehensive, and all of them can be found within the website www.upliftedlingerie.co.uk, which offers a multitude of engaging benefits. In addition the resource offers a useful online location, which provides the means to quickly and effectively review all of the available options, whilst also providing stunning imagery, all in one useful location. In addition with discounts including 10% of everything currently available as well as free UK delivery this online resource provides the opportunity to save money on an impressive array of beautiful lingerie.

To review the latest Freya Bras Sale visit http://www.upliftedlingerie.co.uk/Freya/Bras

Share and Enjoy