Prada’s Patrizio Bertelli Sees Growth in 2018The ceo of the Italian fashion group emphasized investments in the network of stores, the efforts to boost global brand visibility and an enriched product offer, all enhanced by a fast-growing digital presence, which are already yielding results.

[Collection]MILAN — Patrizio Bertelli believes Prada will write a new chapter in 2018. Despite a decrease in profitability and revenues, the Italian fashion group’s chief executive officer was upbeat about prospects for the year, citing an improving business trend in the second part of 2017 that is progressing into 2018, “demonstrating the first significant results from our ongoing strategic initiatives across the group.” During a conference call with analysts on Friday to comment on the 2017 financial statement, Bertelli emphasized the investments in the group’s network of stores, with 140 renovation and relocation projects and the opening of 75 pop-up stores; the efforts to boost global brand visibility, and an enriched product offer, all enhanced by a fast-growing digital presence. “We have successfully improved our leather goods offer with increased newness at all price points, supporting full-price sales. The Prada brand has returned to growth across our key geographies.” Addressing “an increasingly complex market,” Bertelli said the company continued to leverage the group’s “cultural heritage and iconic values,” citing for example the launch of the Black Nylon storied material. “We have seen a promising start to 2018. I am confident this is the beginning of a new phase of development.” Meanwhile, in the 2017 fiscal year

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