SPOTLIGHT ON MICHAEL GUENOUN

Michael Guenoun is the International Distribution Director of Richemont Specialist Watchmakers’ Maisons and the Global Chief Executive Officer of TimeVallée. He joined Richemont Group 18 years ago and has since held various senior management positions within Cartier in Australia and Asia. Four years ago, he moved back to Europe and joined the Richemont International Specialist Watchmakers division. More recently, in addition to his current function, he has also been promoted as the Chief Executive Officer of TimeVallée to lead the transformation and development of this unique concept store. GC caught up with Michael Guenoun for an exclusive interview about the industry and plans for the brand.

How has the digital universe impacted the traditional channels of retail? What are your thoughts on this physical shift?

The digital world has been complementary to the brickand-mortar shopping experience. It allows retailers another channel to express their brand and connect with clients who are increasingly demanding an omnichannel and seamless journey across touchpoints, shattering the borders between the physical and the digital world.

With a new generation of luxury consumers entering the market, how does this impact the way you do business and reach this new audience?

The various trends that we are witnessing in the luxury market inspired us to design our boutique in the most client-centric and interactive way that the new generation of luxury customers can relate to. This is evident from the moment you are exposed to the boutique in Hamad International Airport that features our impressive 3D screen, to the state-of-the-art boutique design, and the interactive services and client experiences offered by our watch experts in the boutique.

What plans do you have to expand the brand in terms of geographic reach?

The luxury market in the region is developing fast and is presenting a lot of potential. Our strategy is to remain exclusive and selective when it comes to expanding our footprint, in order to continue to respect the brand equity, the current distribution, and most importantly, the needs of our clients.

TimeVallée recently opened its first Middle East flagship boutique in Qatar Duty Free. How is this new two-storey multi-brand boutique pushing the boundaries for the watchbuying experience?

TimeVallée is not a typical multi-brand concept, it is designed to guide watch lovers and beyond to learn, browse, and experience the watchmaking world. Through our innovative design, we ensure the Maisons are able to express their watchmaking heritage while combining it with contemporary luxury elements, offering clients the most seamless shopping experience in the watchmaking world.

Which brands can consumers expect to find?

Out of the many prestigious watch Maisons in the TimeVallée portfolio, clients can find Baume et Mercier, Bell and Ross, Cartier, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Tag Heuer, and the first Watchfinder—the region’s leader in pre-owned watches—in the newly opened boutique in Hamad International Airport, Doha

What growth trends have you noticed in airport retail? Travel retail has gained significant momentum, which can be seen with the multiple developments and openings we are witnessing worldwide, one of which is the impressive new terminal in Hamad International Airport, where we see the biggest luxury Maisons bringing their newest concepts to life.

The renowned Watchfinder runs the pre-owned watches lounge. Are you seeing an uptick in the demand for pre-owned watches? The luxury market in the region is developing fast and is presenting a lot of potential. Our strategy is to remain exclusive and selective when it comes to expanding our footprint, in order to continue to respect the brand equity, the current distribution, and most importantly, the needs of our clients.

TimeVallée recently opened its first Middle East flagship boutique in Qatar Duty Free. How is this new two-storey multi-brand boutique pushing the boundaries for the watchbuying experience?

We made sure to bring to our concept the pre-owned watches lounge by Watchfinder to cater to our clients who have shown an increasing interest in limited and exclusive pieces beyond what can be offered in the market. This lounge will not only offer clients the opportunity to browse Watchfinder’s pre-owned assortment but will also offer various services to watch collectors.

What should consumers keep in mind when buying a preowned timepiece?

Clients should always make sure authentication documents and certificates are included when buying pre-owned. We wanted to cater to our clients’ needs while ensuring the highest service levels, which is what Watchfinder perfectly offers in the preowned watches lounge in TimeVallée.

How does the brand execute its client-centric approach in its omnichannel journey?

Our omnichannel strategy is designed to keep our clients’ needs at the center of everything we do. Our interactive boutique experiences were thought through by combining innovative phygital luxury with personalised services. Shoppers can visit the discovery counter, with its state-of-the-art digital technology to explore best-sellers, latest pieces, limited-edition, and Maison collections.