From Hosiery to Holding Company: Oniverse and the Future of Diversified Retail
Oniverse, formerly known as the Calzedonia Group, is undergoing a significant transformation. Founded in 1986, the Italian company is rapidly evolving from a fashion-focused retailer into a diversified holding company with interests spanning fashion, wine, and even yacht building. This strategic shift reflects a broader trend in the retail landscape: the need for resilience through diversification.
The Rise of the Conglomerate Retailer
For decades, retailers focused on specializing. However, the past few years have demonstrated the vulnerability of single-category businesses to economic fluctuations and changing consumer preferences. Oniverse’s move, exemplified by its acquisition of the Pardo shipyard, signals a growing trend towards conglomerate retailers – companies that operate across multiple, seemingly unrelated sectors. This strategy aims to mitigate risk and capitalize on synergistic opportunities.
Oniverse’s Brand Portfolio: A Deep Dive
Oniverse’s core strength remains its fashion brands. Calzedonia, specializing in hosiery and swimwear, offers accessible innovation. Intimissimi provides lingerie with a focus on romantic and elegant styles. Tezenis caters to a younger, trend-conscious audience. Falconeri focuses on high-quality knitwear and cashmere, bridging the gap between luxury and affordability. Beyond apparel, Signorvino offers a curated selection of 100% Italian wines, creating immersive experiences centered around Italian gastronomy and viticulture.
Beyond Fashion: The Luxury and Lifestyle Expansion
The acquisition of Cantiere del Pardo, a superyacht builder, is perhaps the most striking example of Oniverse’s diversification. This move isn’t as random as it appears. It taps into the growing demand for luxury experiences and caters to a high-net-worth clientele. This expansion into luxury goods demonstrates a strategic effort to capture a larger share of discretionary spending.
Global Reach and Expansion Plans
Oniverse currently operates over 5,700 stores in 55 countries, and is present in major international cities like Milan, Paris, London, New York, and Shanghai. The company is actively pursuing further expansion, with a particular focus on markets like Mexico, the United States, and Turkey. This global footprint provides a buffer against regional economic downturns and allows Oniverse to capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
The Future of Retail: Experiential and Integrated
Oniverse’s success hinges on its ability to create integrated experiences across its diverse portfolio. Signorvino, for example, isn’t just a wine shop; it’s a cultural hub. The future of retail isn’t simply about selling products; it’s about building communities and offering immersive experiences. Retailers that can seamlessly blend physical and digital experiences, and offer personalized services, will thrive.
The Importance of Supply Chain Control
Oniverse maintains control over its entire supply chain, from design to production in its 30 factories (located in Italy and abroad) to global distribution. This vertical integration provides several advantages, including greater quality control, faster time-to-market, and increased responsiveness to changing consumer demands. In an era of supply chain disruptions, this level of control is a significant competitive advantage.
Career Opportunities at Oniverse
Oniverse is actively recruiting talent to support its growth, including a Store Manager position in Strasbourg, France. The company emphasizes leadership, team management, and a customer-centric approach. Benefits include transportation reimbursement, meal tickets, seasonal wardrobe allowances, employee discounts across all Oniverse brands, performance-based bonuses, and training and career development opportunities.
Pro Tip:
Look for retailers that are investing in both their online and offline presence. A strong omnichannel strategy is crucial for success in today’s retail environment.
FAQ
What brands are part of Oniverse?
Oniverse includes Calzedonia, Intimissimi, Intimissimi Uomo, Tezenis, Falconeri, Atelier Emé, Antonio Marras, Signorvino, and Cantiere del Pardo.
Where is Oniverse headquartered?
Oniverse is headquartered in Dossobuono di Villafranca di Verona, Italy.
How many stores does Oniverse operate?
As of 2024, Oniverse operates over 5,700 stores worldwide.
What is Oniverse’s revenue?
In 2024, Oniverse reported revenue of €3.527 billion.
What is the origin of the name “Oniverse”?
The name “Oniverse” is an anagram of the surname of the President and Managing Director, Sandro Veronesi.
Does Oniverse offer employee benefits?
Yes, Oniverse offers benefits such as transportation reimbursement, meal tickets, employee discounts, and performance-based bonuses.
What is Oniverse’s approach to sustainability?
Oniverse aims to build long-lasting value while respecting the economic, social, and natural environment.
Where can I discover more information about Oniverse?
You can visit the official Oniverse website at https://www.oniverse.it/en
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