Billabong has officially opened a new partner store in Chamonix, mythical mountain resort in the French Alps on the 3rd December 2005. Billabong’s partnership with one of the largest, most established retailers, Jean-François Coquoz in the region marks the fulfilment of a long-standing business relationship.

Jean-François Coquoz attests “This Billabong store is the accomplishment of a long standing partnership with the brand and I’m pleased to be a part of it.”

Franco Fogliato, General Manager at GSM Europe adds “Jean-François Coquoz has a long and outstanding experience in the industry and we are proud to have this partnership in one of the most beautiful mountain spots in the world.”

Chamonix has long been known as the key mountain sports’ destination which underlines Billabong’s intention to develop and strengthen its position within the market. The store is situated in the town’s main shopping street, in the heart of Chamonix and stocks the full range of Billabong men’s and women’s clothing, ranging from accessories to mountain wear. The store will also include GSM brands VZ eyewear and Kustom footwear.

The store’s interior features stylish wood and metallic furniture true to the Brand’s new retail concept, a flat panel TV screen in the window display, six lightboxes on one wall making up one whole core sport image and subtle spot lighting for a unique retail experience.

After the success of his Billabong partner store in Les Deux Alpes, Billabong team rider Yannick Amevet is opening a new Billabong partner store in the town centre of Annecy. The store is due to open in April 2006.

November 2005 will see the opening of a new office for Billabong’s mountainwear division in Albertville. The office will be set in the new showroom, opening in Albertville and will enable the team to work a lot closer to the market, giving better testing ground for Billabong winter products, focusing on new trends, market evolution and sport development.