"In Spain, France enjoys a positive image": Alain Harfouche, Occitane Espana S.L.

 

A. H. - In Spain, as elsewhere, France enjoys a very positive image, particularly for cosmetics and perfumes. The economic situation in the country is not necessarily favourable to the development of new brands. However, we have accelerated our growth over the last two years, taking advantage of the slowdown in our competitors' markets. But over the last 18 months we've seen a number of new French and European players enter the market.

 

A. H. - Every brand has its own success factors, and it would be risky to say that the current situation in Madrid is all about opportunities. But I would say that you need to take the necessary time when looking for business premises. What's more, the country's highly decentralised organisation is not the easiest from an administrative point of view. You have to be patient. But the good thing is that Madrid is only 1 hour 45 minutes from Paris, and the quality of life is very good. So it's a destination where it's really interesting to take on new challenges.