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Sector focus

Retail

“We chose to work with FFW through a high recommendation and they have certainly delivered a highly satisfactory service.  We like their fast, friendly professional service and the ability to speak to the lawyers directly. Their  attention to detail is impressive  and everything is well explained.  FFW is a pleasure to work with.”

Sonia Vara, Myla

We have a wide range of retail experience. Over the last 20 years we have been involved in advising retailers in the UK, throughout the EU and internationally.

We work with our clients to identify the key commercial drivers and major risk factors of their business and decide how these should be reflected at both a structural and an operational level in the retail business in each separate market. The proposed concepts are then tested against existing practices and relationships.

We work with our retail clients to determine a strategic, big picture cross border structure.  By helping our retail clients to identify the attendant risks, working through an effective risk reduction strategy and putting in place appropriate risk management structures and processes this enables our retail clients to start their international roll out from a position of strength, enabling them to take a more proactive approach and to focus on the issues that really matter.

Our reach is truly international. Our team includes both Indian and PRC nationals. As WIPO (United Nation) experts we have advised Governments around the world on the role of brands in the economy.  For example having advised the PRC Government on retail related issues we are very familiar with the complexities of this booming market.  Partners in our affiliate offices (Beijing and Shanghai) have been trained by us in London through long-term secondments. We will soon be opening an office in China, meaning that we will be even better placed to help the retailers develop their business in this region.

Due to increasing importance of the Indian market we have dual qualified senior Indian lawyer in our London office as well as a close relationship with our local affiliate. Having advised the Indian Government on retail related matters we have a good understanding of the complexities facing retailers entering this rapidly growing market.

We have introduced several of our clients to corporations that have become their developers in foreign markets.

Our retail experience

            

We have worked with this international retail icon to help develop its international strategy.  This involved advising upon the most appropriate structures, identifying target markets, securing worldwide protection for the brand and introducing the business’s first international developer to the client.  We have also assisted Hamleys with the enforcement of the terms of its agreement to ensure the retailers rights are not diluted. 

 
 

We have worked with Crocs protecting its designs and trade marks against infringers and grey importers across Europe and the Middle East since they first hit the market.  With the demand for this fashionable foot-wear reaching fever pitch we have worked with the client to put together a robust multi-channel international retail structure that fits their particular needs.  This has involved not only setting up their own corporate stores but also putting in place licences, franchises, concessions and shop in shop arrangements. Our years of experience have helped to guide this high profile young retailer to a future of sustained success.

 
 

Advising Lush on the structure of its franchise/licence operations and preparing standard documentation for its international partners.  Over recent months we have advised Lush on partner issues in such diverse territories as Brazil, Italy, and the Philippines and most recently have advised them on the restructuring of their German operations involving 18 retail stores in key German cities.
 
  Reiss are a long standing client of ours.  We have assisted Reiss with its worldwide brand protection strategy as well as assisting with the structuring and negotiating of Reiss’ entry into the Middle East, China, Malaysia and Singapore. Our work for Reiss also includes protecting and enforcing their intellectual property rights - crucial to the Reiss fashion business.