Benetton is back
Last week saw an interesting milestone in Yerevan, with the opening of the womens Benetton store on the Amiryan Street side of the Hotel Armenia Marriott. We've already mentioned the opening of similiar shops such as Levi's, MANGO, etc on this blog, but Benetton is special - because it is returning to Yerevan over a decade after having left.
Right after Armenia's independence, Benetton came to Armenia and established a factory here, and also opened a store (where there is a Porsche dealership now, by the Republic Square metro/Tourist information office). It may have been the first normal western investment in Armenia. After a few years of struggling (due to the closed borders), it closed in 94/95, but not before I bought a couple of "Made in Armenia" Benetton shirts as gifts. That they are back marks a good milestone for Armenia - though I'd still love to see a factory reopen as well.
Right after Armenia's independence, Benetton came to Armenia and established a factory here, and also opened a store (where there is a Porsche dealership now, by the Republic Square metro/Tourist information office). It may have been the first normal western investment in Armenia. After a few years of struggling (due to the closed borders), it closed in 94/95, but not before I bought a couple of "Made in Armenia" Benetton shirts as gifts. That they are back marks a good milestone for Armenia - though I'd still love to see a factory reopen as well.
posted by Raffi K. at 9:25 AM
5 Comments:
I thought I visited the Bennetton store in '97. I bet it was a fake Benneton Store like the fake Puma Store I once almost got excited about! Was the store you're referring to near the Vernisage/ Hrabarag Metro Stop where that wierd soviet themed restaurant is now?
Hmmm, maybe I remember the year wrong, since you have the right location...
You have a "made in Armenia" Benetton item? That's cool Raffi, wanna maybe ebay it? can't hurt to ask.
Those brings up memories. I remember I saved a year worth of wages and had them converted into dollars so I can buy that fusia red shirt in the window I was salivating over every saturday.
I couldve done hard labor for posession of hard currency, it was illegal at the time, but I could care less. At the end it was a highest scoring shirt I ever had, so in a hindsight the risk was well worth it.
I didnt realize they closed down the shop and there is a porsche dealership. How times have changed. I suppose it still takes a year savings for someone to buy from this shop, only instead of $15.75 for a piece of brightly colored textile lucky with the chicks it would be $75 grand car, still bought to get lucky with the chicks.
I do feel I got to get my lazy ass on the plane and visit the place, I have got to check out that porsche dealership.
T
Lor... that benetton store in 97 was REAL. Remember, we bought the fake zip down badidas bags? lol We should've bought benetton shirts too!
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