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RAPAPORT... Communications and public relations firm Ruder Finn Inc. signed with four luxury retailers to support them in China, including Blancpain, Boucheron, De Beers Diamond Jewellers and Diesel. In addition, Ruder Finn will perform a series of projects on behalf of Michael Kors. Blancpain signed retainers for both traditional and digital public relations services from Ruder Finn. Separately, the firm will provide strategic counsel and press office services for Boucheron at local and international events and other projects. De Beers hired Ruder Finn on retainer for strategic counsel, China press communications and project management.
Kathy Bloomgarden, the CEO of Ruder Finn, said, "Our luxury work in China has evolved into a leading global practice and these significant new wins further enhance our experience and grow our expertise in this expanding market. As we continue to build on our strong momentum throughout 2014, these accounts demonstrate our strength both in the luxury market, as well as the larger Chinese business landscape."
Gao Ming, the senior vice president and general manager in Shanghai for Ruder Finn Asia, added, "Some recent media reports have suggested that luxury brands are experiencing a dramatic slump in sales in China, but from the industry's perspective, this is not really true. Although growth has slowed compared to the double-digit expansion of the past decade, the China market is still very much a key driver. In the last two years, luxury brands have continued to actively build their brands and promote their products through major global milestone events in China. Despite some budget cuts in advertising, Ruder Finn has not experienced any substantial cuts in PR budgets. In fact, we're now seeing bigger budgets being put into integrated PR communications programs."
Ruder Finn's other clients in China include Cartier, Hermes, Piaget, Bang & Olufsen and Hennessy.
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