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Gucci Parts Ways With Design Chief Sabato De Sarno Amid Weak Sales

Gucci’s design chief, Sabato De Sarno, is stepping down after less than two years in the role, as the luxury brand struggles with declining sales. Kering, Gucci’s parent company, announced on Thursday. De Sarno, who succeeded Alessandro Michele in 2023, faced challenges in reviving the brand with his minimalist designs, which analysts suggest did not resonate with the exuberant image Gucci is known for.

Gucci’s revenues dropped by 25% in Q3, significantly impacting Kering’s overall performance. The brand has been under pressure to attract wealthier consumers and regain its popularity. De Sarno’s departure comes just ahead of Kering’s full-year financial results, and its shares dropped almost 3% in early trade.

Analysts have pointed out that Gucci’s troubles include overexposure to the Chinese market, reliance on middle-class customers, and a declining brand image. Finding a replacement for De Sarno will be challenging, with potential candidates like Pierpaolo Piccioli and John Galliano under consideration.

As the luxury industry faces slow sales due to weak demand from China and inflation, Gucci’s next steps will be critical in reversing its fortunes.

Cyprus Emerges As A Leading Household Consumer In The European Union

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

A recent Eurostat survey, which adjusts real consumption per capita using purchasing power standards (PPS), has positioned Cyprus among the highest household consumers in the European Union. In 2024, Cyprus recorded a per capita expenditure of 21,879 PPS, a figure that underscores the country’s robust material well-being relative to other member states.

Comparative Consumption Analysis

Luxembourg claimed the top spot with an impressive 28,731 PPS per inhabitant. Trailing closely were Ireland (23,534 PPS), Belgium (23,437 PPS), Germany (23,333 PPS), Austria (23,094 PPS), the Netherlands (22,805 PPS), Denmark (22,078 PPS), and Italy (21,986 PPS), with Cyprus rounding out this elite group at 21,879 PPS. These figures not only highlight the high expenditure across these nations but also reflect differences in purchasing power and living standards across the region.

Contrasting Trends In Household Spending

The survey also shed light on countries with lower household spending levels. Hungary and Bulgaria reported the smallest average expenditures, at 14,621 PPS and 15,025 PPS respectively. Meanwhile, Greece and Portugal recorded 18,752 PPS and 19,328 PPS, respectively. Noteworthy figures from France (20,462 PPS), Finland (20,158 PPS), Lithuania (19,261 PPS), Malta (19,622 PPS), Slovenia (18,269 PPS), Slovakia (17,233 PPS), Latvia (16,461 PPS), Estonia (16,209 PPS), and the Czech Republic (16,757 PPS) further illustrate the disparate economic landscapes within the EU. Spain’s figure, however, was an outlier at 10,899 PPS, suggesting the need for further data clarification.

Growth Trends And Economic Implications

Eurostat’s longitudinal analysis from 2019 to 2024 revealed that Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania experienced the fastest annual increases in real consumer spending, each growing by at least 3.8%. In contrast, five member states, with the Czech Republic experiencing the largest drop at an average annual decline of 1.3%, indicate a varied economic recovery narrative across the continent.

This comprehensive survey not only provides valuable insights into current household consumption patterns but also offers a robust framework for policymakers and business leaders to understand economic shifts across the EU. Such data is integral for strategic decision-making in markets that are increasingly defined by evolving consumer behavior and regional economic resilience.

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