Seiko Opens First Boutique in Russia
Since shedding the shackles of communism a few decades ago, Russia has become a major market for luxury goods including Swiss watches. The makers of fine timepieces are vying for the business of wealthy Russians and that includes opening new retail locations to serve them. The latest addition to the Moscow shopping experience is a posh store selling Seiko watches.
On September 7, the Seiko Watch Corporation threw a lavish opening ceremony for the brand’s very first boutique in Russia. Located in Moscow’s high-end shopping district the St. Nickolas complex on Nikolskaya Street, the 80-square-meter store highlights Seiko’s luxury brands Grand Seiko, Credor and Galante.
Russian shoppers will find one of the largest collection of Grand Seiko models outside Japan as well as Credor and Galante watches that are being offered for the first time in Russia. One of the ultra-exclusive limited edition timepieces carried by the boutique is the hand-crafted Credor Eichi II, which sells for 3,990,000 rubles (about $58,000 USD).
On hand for the opening festivities was Seiko brand ambassador/famous Russian athlete Darya Klishina and Seiko director and executive VP Takashi Aizawa, who told the press: “This year is Seiko’s 50th anniversary in Russia; Seiko was registered as a trademark in Russia in 1965. We are delighted to open this boutique in this important anniversary year.
“This new boutique is one of several that are opening in the world’s leading cities. Last year we opened one in New York, and this year we added Frankfurt and Tokyo. Our aim is to allow visitors a unique, exciting and intriguing opportunity to explore the world of Seiko through our history and our finest watches.”
The new Seiko boutique is a must for watch aficionados visiting Moscow and in the mood for some luxury shopping.
