Expanded Audemars Piguet U.S. Flagship Store Announced

Scheduled for Summer 2009, Audemars Piguet will open a new United States flagship store in New York City.  To be located at 65 East 57th Street and complimented by offices on 135 East 57th Street, the new facilities will offer substantially increased space, as well as the full integration of corporate and back office functions.  This represents a welcomed change for the brand from the current situation, which positions back office operations in a separate place from the corporate offices and the boutique, which are situated on 40 East 57th Street. 

The signing of the lease was announced by Francois-Henry Bennahmias, the President and CEO of Audemars Piguet North America, who commented: "Since we opened in our current location at 40 East 57th Street in 2003, the U.S. business has risen to a new level.  Our business has experienced strong growth with the U.S. market ranking number one in sales for the last three years.  Doubling our retail space in the new flagship store will enable us to take the high-end watchmaking business to a completely different level."

Although Bennahmias declined to reveal extensive details about the new 57th Street store, whose design is being handled by a Swiss firm, he confirmed that it will feature 24 feet of frontage as well as a new facade, and will boast a number of innovative elements. "We will do things that have never been done before," stated Bennahmias.

Occupancy for the new Audemars Piguet offices is planned for February 2009, while the new boutique is expected to open on June 1st.