Italian fashion company Furla plans to open 100 stores in China.

Furla has formed a joint venture with Hong Kong-based company Fung Group to open the stores across China during the next four years.

“We wanted to boost our development in Greater China following the successful launch last year of our new retail concept in Hong Kong and the strong response from Chinese consumers to our current network of 20 directly owned stores,” said Furla president Giovanna Furlanetto.

“In Fung Group, we have found a partner whose pedigree is similar to ours. We are both family-owned companies with a proud heritage – 106 years for the Fung Group and 86 years for Furla – with similar values and a vision to bring the highest quality products to the discerning Chinese consumer,” added Furlanetto.

China has a tremendous potential for Furla, which emphasises on elegance and Italian craftmanship, says Fung Capital Asia MD Jose Cheng.

Founded by Aldo Furlanetto in 1927 in Bologna, Furla exports to 71 countries, with 320 single-brand boutiques, 1290 points of sale in department stores and specialist stores, five subsidiaries in the US, France, Japan, Hong Kong and Korea, as well as distributing online through its own e-boutique.

GB