One Way Forward
There aren’t many like Milan Rabold in the luxury retail industry. From the remote Guam and Northern Marina Islands to the busy Hong Kong and Dusseldorf, the merchandising expert has impacted everyone who’s had the chance to work with him. Now residing in Bali, as general manager of IDP DFS, a joint venue between one of the largest retail shops in Indonesia and an internationally renowned duty-free retailer under LVMH, Milan sat with us and allowed us to pick his brain on his spectacular journey.
Q: How did you get into commerce and fashion? Were there any driving influences throughout your upbringing?
A: My passion for commerce and fashion was greatly influenced by my upbringing. Growing up, my father owned an art gallery, which exposed me to art and creativity from an early age. This environment sparked my interest in artistic fields, including fashion.
After completing my university studies, I initially embarked on a career in strategy consulting, which provided me with valuable business insights and skills. However, I felt a strong desire to transition into the fashion industry and luxury brand management. This led me to pursue an opportunity at a renowned fashion department store in Germany, where I gained my first hands-on experience in the field. Later I joined DFS, which is under the umbrella of LVMH.
Q: What would you say is the biggest difference between your field of luxury retail management in Europe and in Asia-Pacific, or, specifically the countries you’ve worked in?
A: When comparing luxury retail management in metropolitan city locations versus resort destinations, rather than Europe versus Asia, there are significant differences that influence strategies and approaches.
In city locations such as Hong Kong, Paris, or Sydney, there is intense competition among luxury retailers and brands. The market is saturated with a wide range of luxury offerings, and consumers, both residents and visitors, are accustomed to this abundance of choices. In such urban settings, the focus is often on convenience, variety and catering to the sophisticated tastes of a discerning customer base. On the other hand, resort destinations have a distinct mindset. These locations are primarily sought after for relaxation, recreation and cultural experiences. Visitors are often looking for unique experiences and products that reflect the local culture and environment. Brand managers in resort destinations need to consider the preferences and expectations of tourists and cater to their desire for authenticity and the exploration of local offerings.
Q: Throughout your impressive and dedicated career, can you give an example of when your perseverance of a certain period has benefitted you and your business?
A: One notable example occurred when I was leading operations in Saipan, Northern Marina Islands, and the region was hit by a devastating typhoon. The aftermath caused widespread destruction and power outages that impacted our employees and customers. Despite the challenging circumstances, we remained resilient. We made the decision to close the store temporarily, prioritising the wellbeing of our employees and actively contributing to the island’s rebuilding efforts. This not only helped the local community but also strengthened DFS’s reputation in Saipan, creating a meaningful bond with the people we served.
Q: What are your responsibilities here at IDP DFS?
A: In my role at IDP DFS, I have a wide range of responsibilities that encompass various aspects of the business. I oversee the overall operations of the company, ensuring that all facets of the business are running smoothly and efficiently. This involves developing and implementing strategic initiatives to drive growth and profitability. Driving business growth is a significant focus, I am constantly seeking opportunities to expand our presence, identify new markets and capitalise on emerging trends. This involves staying abreast of industry developments, conducting market research and leveraging insights to make informed business decisions.
As a leader, I am also responsible for guiding and inspiring a team of professionals. I set performance objectives, provide guidance and support and foster a culture of excellence within the organisation. By nurturing talent and promoting a collaborative environment, we can maximise individual and collective potential.
Q: Ever since receiving your first degree in Business Administration in 2004, how would you say the merchandising industry has changed?
A: One major trend is the rapid advancement of technology, particularly the rise of e-commerce. Online platforms have become crucial for reaching customers and offering personalised shopping experiences. Social media has also replaced traditional magazines as a primary source of fashion inspiration and product discovery.
Another notable trend is the growing influence of Asia in the global fashion industry. Countries like China, Japan and South Korea have experienced remarkable growth, contributing to increased revenue generation and impacting global fashion trends.
Asia Dreams Volume 49
T Galleria by DFS
Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Kuta
Bali 80361, Indonesia
T: (+62) 361758875
E: shop-indonesia@dfs.com
W: shop-indonesia.dfs.com
IG: @dfsindonesiaofficial
