Welcome

In a recent article on Gucci, Bloomberg journalist Angelina Rascouet quotes Frank Müller of TBTL on the luxury group’s falling behind rival LVMH. Klick here for more: link.

In cooperation with the Institute for Marketing & Customer Insight at the University of St. Gallen Frank Müller is hosting a webinar focussing on the luxury industry’s outlook in 2023 and beyond. Join us for free on April 5th at 12:30 CEST. Registration: webinar luxury 2023.

In an increasingly complex business environment with many new challenges, networking and getting inspirations are important. Events in the luxury industry are fortunately back to where they were before Corona. These represent not only business opportunities but also a chance to benchmark and to learn. TBTL’s updated list of shows, fairs and conferences is available for your download: 2023 luxury industry events.

At the end of 2022, Frank Müller answered questions of the investors’ magazin Der Aktionär (The Shareholder) about the outlook of the luxury industry in the next year: link.

Despite a multiple of challenges, whether it be again a looming pandemic, a war in Europe or high global inflation rates, the luxury industry shows resilience in the impressive number of international events. The list of trade shows, conferences or fairs can be downloaded here: link.

After Corona inflicted cancellations and postponements, finally the fairs, shows and conferences are back! Looking into the future, TBTL is pleased to provide the latest update on the upcoming events of the luxury industry. It is available for download here: Luxury Industry Events 2022-23.

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a regular free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for bench-marking. Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a regular free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for bench-marking. Download

The pandemic is still holding the world in its grip. Nevertheless, it is an encouraging sign that the industry for high-end goods and services is meeting again – almost at pre-Covid level – at its trade fairs, shows and events in order to return to business-as-usual. With the exception of the automotive industry, TBTL’s traditional half-year overview includes almost all known events – even if here and there adapted to the difficult circumstances in a smaller format. TBTL wishes the brands, suppliers, agencies, media and other partners good business. Luxury Industry Events 2021/22

The luxury goods industry is increasingly recovering from the pandemic. This is reflected in the international agenda of trade shows, congresses and conferences. Their number has now almost returned to pre-covid19 levels; and the proportion of exclusively digital or hybrid events is falling. TBTL is pleased to publish the updated event calendar for 2021/22. Luxury Industry Events 2021/22

Informing, selling, buying, learning, benchmarking, networking, enjoying … despite covid-19, there are still various good reasons to experience as organiser, exhibitor, client or visitor the multiple and enriching events of the luxury industry in 2021. A list of the global important fairs, shows, congresses, educational programs in different product categories can be downloaded here: Luxury Industry Events 2021.

The Ukraine business and luxury magazine LDaily has invited Frank Müller from TBTL to comment on the repercussions the covid-19 pandemic is about to cause on the industry of high-end products and services. The interview can be downloaded here: link.

The reputed German newspaper Die Welt cites Frank Müller on the future of the luxury and watch industry. The article is available here (German language only):  Download

Informing, selling, buying, learning, benchmarking, networking, enjoying … despite covid-19, there are still various good reasons to experience as organiser, exhibitor, client or visitor the multiple and enriching events of the luxury industry in 2020 and 2021. A list of the global important fairs, shows, congresses, educational programs in different product categories can be downloaded here: Luxury Industry Events 2020/21.

The Naked Watchmaker, founded by famous artisan horloger Peter Speake-Marin, is a site to bring to a new generation the magic and passion of watchmaking. Regularely, TNW introduces watch enthusiasts around the world to the people that make up an industry. 12 questions are posed to individuals who have made the timekeeper’s industry their chosen path. Every person has dedicated years of their life to this industry. Here are Frank Müller’s answers: Download

Arabia Watch & Jewellery (AWJ) of publishing house MPP-Middle East is organising weekly webinars. Join July 8th’s session together with interesting panelists such as the Swiss Ambassador to the UAE, his excellency Massimo Baggi, Frederic Watrelot, a current senior director at Sotheby’s, Abdulla Al Shaer, contributing editor to AWJ Magazine and Frank Müller from TBTL. To register, please click here: link

Covid-19 is not the first and only catastrophe having hit the luxury industry in the last 20 years. Yet, its impact will be more severe and last longer than the ones being felt after Lehman, SARS or the Euro crisis. In the current issue of the Europa Star, Frank Müller is assessing its consequences and makes recommendations to overcome the pandemic. Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for bench-marking. This month focuses again on covid-19 and its impact on the luxury industry. Download

Informing, selling, buying, learning, benchmarking, networking, enjoying … there are various good reasons to experience as organiser, exhibitor, client or visitor the multiple and enriching events of the luxury industry in 2020. A list of the global important fairs, shows, congresses, educational programs in different product categories can be downloaded here: Luxury Industry Events 2020/21.

The Great Book of Manufactories is an opulent coffee-table book. It invites readers to discover places of fascinating craftsmanship, tradition, beautiful artefacts. Upon the editor’s request, Frank Müller contributed the forward to this wonderful publication (available in German language only). Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for bench-marking. This month focuses especially on covid-19 and its impact on the luxury industry. Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for bench-marking. Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for bench-marking. Download

On January 17^th, the “Great Book of Manufactories” was launched. This opulently designed coffee-table book is being curated by Olaf Salié who has already edited the very successful volumes “Handmade” (2012) and the “Guide to German Manu-factories” (2015). “The Great Book of Manufactories” presents some 300 German masters of craftmanship, tradition, innovation, exclusivity and culture. The luxury industry needs to educate future generations of consumers. Hence, wonderful books being supported by famous publishing houses like Callwey and ZEIT will help to keep the arts of very high-end products alive. As a longtime supporter of luxury manufacturers, The Bridge To Luxury’s founder Frank Müller is proud to have contributed the forewords to all three publications. To find out more: link.

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

The German digital magazin Business Insider has asked Frank Müller and Christian Hugo Hoffmann about the future of luxury. Sustain-ability, demographics, value changes, technological progress etc. – the luxury industry will have to adapt very different business models to keep consumers’ interest high and to remain successful in the decade to come. The interview is available in German language only: Link

In its recent issue, Europa Star, one of the international leading horological trade magazines, is asking about the future of watchmaking. Among a circle of industry experts, Frank Müller outlines his assessment in a short interview. Link

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

Informing, selling, buying, learning, benchmarking, networking, enjoying … there are various good reasons to experience as organiser, exhibitor, client or visitor the multiple and enriching events of the luxury industry in 2020. A list of the global important fairs, shows, congresses, educational programs in different product categories can be downloaded here: Luxury Industry Events 2020.

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

On October 18th, the first Luxury Venture Day took place in Zürich, Switzerland. 19 startups, 65 corporations and 9 universities attended the conference. Interesting panels, insightful presentations and a superb location to network made the launching event a full success. The Bridge To Luxury was proud to have moderated one of the podium discussions.

The conference was organised by the Luxury Venture Group (LVG), a Swiss-based incubator, accelerator and venture capital platform to scout, select, accelerate and invest in startups from luxury and related industries.

The next Luxury Venture Day is planned from April 30th to May 5th – then including a three days’ long boot camp: luxuryventuregroup.com.

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

Frank Müller of TBTL has become member of the advisory board of Callwey’s planned book “The Guide to Manufacturers”. This high-class publication on Germany’s top manufacturers of luxury goods will be available in autumn 2019. The book will be published in cooperation with ZEIT-Verlag. Formerly, Frank Müller has already contributed his global luxury experience in several books about producers of modern or traditional handcrafted treasuries.

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

The World Diamond Magazine interviewed Frank Müller on occasion of the launch of his newsletter and asked him to give us an idea where the luxury sector, including the jewellery and gem trade, is heading. Link to article

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

TBTL’s Luxury Industry Performance Index (LIPI) is a monthly free and quick overview of the industry’s status and outlook. Its goal is to provide an idea about trends in various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

In its newest edition, w&v is focusing on luxury and lifestyle. Frank Müller, CEO at TBTL, is cited also (article in German language only). Download

TBTL’s Monthly Luxury Index is a free and quick overview of key performance growth indicators of the industry of high-end products and services. Its goal is to provide an idea about the status of various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

The Horasis China Meeting is a comprehensive platform for the CEOs of the world’s leading companies to actively engage with China and its leaders from both business and government. The 2018 conference was hold in Kyiv, one of the most culturally and economically vibrant cities along the Silk Road Economic Belt. Dr. Frank Müller from TBTL was invited to participate as a panel member (topic “Understanding China’s Future Plans”) and to provide ideas on how China and its partners could develop an originary luxury industry.

TBTL’s Monthly Luxury Index is a free and quick overview of key performance growth indicators of the industry of high-end products and services. Its goal is to provide an idea about the status of various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

TBTL’s Monthly Luxury Index is a free and quick overview of key performance growth indicators of the industry of high-end products and services. Its goal is to provide an idea about the status of various segments, company news, economic data in thus allowing comparisons for benchmarking. Download

In his recent article, Lanre Shonoiki, writer for the Luxury Society, elaborates upon the question whether artificial intelligence can create craft? He comes to the conclusion that so far it is not possible to replace the human genius. Among others, Shonoiki quotes Frank Müller from The Bridge To Luxury. For further reading: link

In the Europe Star’s January edition, The Bridge To Luxury shares its assessment on the German watch market in 2017. The eight biggest export destination for the Swiss watch industry showed an unspectacular performance. It contracted by 2% in value in an industry that globally grew by 3% mainly due to increased Chinese demand.  Download

At this year’s INSEAD Global Luxury Forum, TBTL was asked to share its assessment on the future luxury customers and the outlook’s implications on strategic brand management. The event was hold in the prestigious Le Grand Intercontinental and hosted some 40 speakers and more than 200 participants. TBTL takes pride in being regularly invited by the world’s most reputed business schools such as INSEAD, KELLOGG-WHU or University. St. Gallen to participate in international luxury related discussions.

What is the future of watch watch distribution? The Europe Star and its authors follow that question in the magazine’s October issue. The Bridge To Luxury is contributing an overview about likely scenarios. Given an increasing complex market environment, it looks companies and brands will have to improve their business models not only regarding requirements of professional omni-channel management but also in terms of branding, customer segmentation, internal structures and procedures. Download

The Bridge To Luxury is dedicated to regularly transmitting professional knowledge and experience to future generations of luxury leaders and managers. During a recent lecturing, Dr. Frank Müller was speaking to students of Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) in Hong Kong. Besides being a highly successful institution for training internationally and practical professional life orientated young talent, it offers a very unusual teaching setting: the former magistrate’s court room and detention cells. Discussing the future of luxury with very dedicated and curious students in such a particular environment was a specific pleasure.

In its recent edition the Swiss Europe Star inquires about the future of the mid-price segment of the watch industry. The Bridge To Luxury contributes an analysis on the German market. Download

In an interview with Russian internet magazine Rough & Polished Alex Popov, president of the World Diamond Mark (WDM), gives credit to consultancy support provided by The Bridge To Luxury. WDM is a global initiative of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) to promote recognition and image of diamands among consumers, retailers, and media. Link

TBTL’s CEO Frank Müller on the watch industry’s outlook 2017. The article was published at Deployant and is accessible here.

In its recent issue the Austrian news magazine Profil focuses on the watch industry. TBTL’s Frank Müller was asked to provide his assessment on the industry’s current status. The interview is available for download (German language only): Download

In his newest edition, the Europe Star analyses the phenomenon smartwatch. Author Frank Müller from TBTL asks what impacts this new product category will have on the established watch industry? Severe ones, that is his conclusion in warning brands not to come to late to miss the trend. The article can be downloaded here: Link

Dr Frank Müller has become member of the Entrepreneurs Excellence. This initiative invites as a platform companies to take advantage of successful business professionals who share their experience and knowledge as brand consultants, speakers and trainers being experts on specific markets or important industry topics. Frank Müller provides insights of high-end brands and answers the question about what can be learnt from successful companies in the world of luxury and prestige.

As a new and innovative service, TBTL will from now on publish regularly an overview on actual European research luxury projects. Such a list has not been provided yet and creates a new bridge for companies and brands to the academic world. Their advantage: Access to new research results, contacts to potential future managers with a high qualification, possibilities to venture into cooperations with the science community. An expansion of the TBTL Luxury Research List regarding research projects outside of Europe is planned. Download.

Who does the best watches in the world: the Swiss or Germans? Since German reunification took place in 1990 and with local brands like A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte Original or Nomos, the small town of Glashütte has re-emerging on the radar of global collectors and fans of luxury timepieces. This provokes the question about who is creating the best watches? One answer is provided by Frank Müller in the recent issue of the Geneva based magazine Europe Star. Download.

The luxury industry is currently facing various challenges. For this year TBTL anticipates a global growth of less than 7%. Although it can be assumed that luxury consumption remains important over the very long run, its nature and therefore entrepreneurial activities of brands in terms of strategic positioning, customer targeting, defining marketing-mixes, funding and so on will change strongly. The current status of the industry regarding numbers and hot topics is summed up in TBTL’s recent newsletter. Download.

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) biennial Presidents’ Meeting toke place in Tel Aviv from June 14th to 16th. Hosted by Mr Ernie Blom and Mr Maxim Shkadov the congress assessed the industry’s current status and outlook.

As invited keynote speakers the CEOs of two of the most important diamand producers. Mr Andrey Zharkov (Alrosa) and Mr Philippe Mellier (De Beers), outlined their views on the diamonds’ industry potentials. TBTL’s founder, Dr Frank Müller, spoke about diamonds and their challenges as future image factor for consumers of high-end products.

The State of Saxony, owner of 1710 founded porcelain manufactory Meissen, has initiated an advisory board to support the company in strategic questions and in its further development.

Members of the board are Dr. Gerhard Heinrich, descendant of a porcelain dynasty of the town of Selb. In his professional career Heinrich has mostly been active in the world of banking e.g. as managing director of UBS Germany. Also member of the board is Dr. Frank Löschmann. He did initially work for DaimlerChrysler and later for Volkswagen AG. Dr. Frank Müller, founder of The Bridge To Luxury, who will assist Meissen in its long-term and strategic brand development, completes the advisory board.

Luxury experience, as an additional customer benefit and a brand distinguishing feature in tough competition, has gained in importance. Nevertheless, the strategic and operational aspects of luxury experience are much more complex than many brand managers believe. In the Luxury Business Report recent issue TBTL analysis reasons and indicats some solutions. Please download here.

With some 300 portraits of manufactories, the German Manufactory Guide of the Cologne-based specialist publisher Deutsche Standards provides a comprehensive overview of the vibrant landscape of German manufactories for the very first time. Contents: A compilation of German manufactories for the first time in a book; manufactory as a worthwhile travel destination (immediately visible and easily recognizable factory outlets, museums and demonstration workshops); user-friendly (merchandise information about, inter alia, materials such as glass, porcelain, silver and wood as well as a regional classification of the manufactories at a glance). Frank Müller of TBTL provides an easy to read foreward to introduce into the fascinating world of German manufactories – download (German language only).

In its latest issue the German Goldschmiede Zeitung focuses on the recent decision of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to end the Swiss franc – euro cap. Frank Müller of TBTL analyses in an interview potential consequences for the watch and jewellery industry – here (German language only).

The Luxury Business Day (LBD) is Germany’s only conference to provide a platform for brands, service providers and interested managers to gain knowledge and to network. The annually event is organised by Inlux and Journal International and takes place on June 18th in Munich for its 2015 edition. Found out more here.

„Travel Guide Germany’s Manufactories 2015 – visit Germany’s most beautiful manufacturing sites.” With more than 400 portraits the specialist publishing house Deutsche Standards provides for a very first time an overview of Germany’s lively manufacturing landscape. Frank Müller was asked to join the project’s advisory board and supports the publication with his long-lasting experience.

Brands and manufacturers intending to be mentioned in the book are kindly asked to contact the editor Deutsche Standards in Cologne. The guide will be available in the book trade in spring 2015.

In its recent edition w&v focuses on media spending of luxury watch brands. Against all general trends expenditures increase for print communication. Amongst others TBTL explains the reasons. The German interview with Frank Müller is available here.

The 2014 edition of Journal International’s and Inlux’ Luxury Business Report (LBR) focuses on internationalisation. The magazine presents the actual and illuminating global study “Top 20 Luxury Markets”. Also, it allows insights into the fine worlds of Steinway & Sons, Mykita or the Dresdner Werkstätten Hellerau. TBTL describes solutions for the challenging task of international pricing for high-end goods and services. The article can be downloaded using the following link: “Luxury Business Report”. For those who wish to receive a complete copy of the magazine please have a look here.

The number of prestigious consumer magazines of luxury brands has decreased in recent years. Exciting launches do occur seldom. What are the reasons? Which particular strategic and operational challenges exist and how can they be tackled? These questions are answered by Frank Müller in the recent issue of the CP MONITOR. The article is available here.

Dresden used to be a historical centre of European luxury. In a special edition of Art Corporates, the city presents itself in new grandeur and informs about companies that continue to devote their efforts to exclusive products and services. In an interview Frank Müller of TBTL explains Dresden’s current status as a luxury hot spot. (The article is available in German language only.)

In cooperation with the INLUX Institute in Munich TBTL is now offering company workshops and seminars in luxury management related topics. The contents are tailor-made to the company’s needs and range from introductions into strategic brand development to operational aspects such as international pricing. The workshops target manufactories, small enterprises and retailers of high-end products and services. Please contact us if you wish to know more.

The edition 12/2013 of the German trade magazine MARKENARTIKEL is dedicated to the topic of Luxury Marketing. The articles focus various important questions on strategic and operative level for instance with regard to the right definition of target groups or how luxury can be presented in the web? There are also contributions on the future of online shopping of luxury goods. TBTL assesses how luxury can be implemented in resistant markets due to cultural or religious barriers. This article can be downloaded in English language here.

VIPs are increasingly used as testimonials to represent brands. There are good reasons to do so – and bad ones. Find out more in the recent German issue of L’Art de Vivre.

Handmade – most people associate many attributes with this expression: seldom, precious, expensive, exclusive. Manufactories fascinate – because we search for the particular. The Top-Magazine spoke with experts for luxury goods about the myth of manufactories. Find out more here (article available in German language only).

Upon invitation of the known daily newspaper DIE PRESSE of Vienna, Frank Müller reflects on the relationship of Christmas, watches and timekeeping. More to be found here (article in German language only).

The School of Management and Law at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is launching an advanced study programme in Luxury Management & Marketing. It is designed to provide knowledge and experience that enable participants to successfully develop and implement luxury strategies in their business environment. The programme is taught in 9 blocks and starts on February 28th, 2014. Further information can be found here. In the context of the programme TBTL will contribute insights into the luxury watch industry.

On October 31st the marketing and communication journal HORIZONT published its 44th edition. The publication focuses extensively on the topics luxury and lifestyle. The online version is available here. In two articles TBTL was questioned regarding the market developments in distribution in the watch industry. These can be downloaded (German language only):article 1 und article 2.

On October 26th and 27th, Germany’s experts of bespoked offerings will present a thrilling weekend with selected manufacturers, interesting lectures and delicious food at Hamburg’s Golfclub Gut Kaden. The weekend will be completed by a “Bespoked Dinner” in the Hotel Atlantic on October 26th. Find out more here.

On 50 pages the Watch Industry Report (WIR) offers important information on the global watch market as an up-to-date and compact overview about one of the lead industries for lifestyle consumer goods. The WIR is published annually and provides a factual access to business related knowledge. Target groups of the report are managers of the watch industry, journalists, advertising and media agencies as well as readers who search for information on structures, trends and challenges of this fascinating industry.

As co-author TBTL has contributed to the concept and content of this report, publishers are the market research institute Responsio and the advertising agency LWP. The WIR is available online.

The marketing research institutes Sinus and Responsio have published the Watch Monitor 2013 Germany. This survey has researched the watch market in all price categories from the perspective of more than 5,000 German consumers for the first time ever. With more than 220 prompted watch brands and more than 100 advertisements of brand manufacturers, the survey provides the most comprehensive and representative survey about the purchasing behaviour and the preferences of watch buyers in Germany ever. For those who wish to succeed in the demanding German market, the Watch Monitor 2013 is an indispensable source of information.

TBTL is pleased to have played a part in conceiving the Watch Monitor.

More information on the Watch Monitor is available here.

Why do people purchase luxury watches which may even cost more money than a spacious single-family home? Frank Müller looks at this question in the latest Online issue of L’Art de Vivre. More information is available here(German language only).

Frank Müller has been appointed a juror in this year’s Starhill Gallery Watch of the Year Awards. Malaysia, with its capital Kuala Lumpur, is one of the major countries in the high quality watch market. Of special significance here is Starhill Gallery which features more single brand boutiques of international watch manufacturers than any other country. Each year a top ranking jury of experts from the watch industry will select the watch of the year in various categories.