Coach Inc, a leading marketer of modern classic American accessories, announced plans to enter the Russian market through an arrangement with Jamilco, a domestic distributor with significant luxury brand experience. The company expects to open at least 15 locations in Russia over a five year period, initially concentrating development in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The first free-standing Coach store is expected to open in April 2008 and will be located at the Seasons Kutuzovsky shopping center in central Moscow. The company also expects to open in the GUM development on Red Square in the fall of this year.

"Russians are fast becoming important consumers of luxury accessories, both domestically and in key travel retail markets such as the Middle East, where Coach has established a retail presence with 10 locations.

Opening in Russia is part of our strategy to capitalize on the increasing popularity of the brand with emerging luxury consumers globally," said Ian Bickley, President, Coach International.

The Seasons Kutuzovsky location is being designed by Reed Krakoff, Executive Creative Director, with the Coach Architecture Group. The material palette used reflects Coach's signature style, with a stainless steel storefront, Venetian plaster walls, polished stainless details, white maple fixtures, and Calacatta white marble flooring.

The store will occupy 1,500 square feet (approximately 140 square meters) and will feature an assortment of Coach's products, including handbags, small leather goods, outerwear, sunwear, and travel accessories.