Belgian luxury lingerie group Van de Velde says it expects organic turnover growth in 2010 to outstrip the 3.4% posted in 2009. In its interim report, published yesterday, the company says the accelerated growth will result in improved figures in the first six months of the year.

The company says that, given the importance of follow-up orders in May and June precise growth forecasts are not possible at this time. However, Sardá is expected to continue to face challenges in the spring, but will experience a turnaround in the autumn. PrimaDonna is said remain the company’s strongest growth market. However, the growth does not take into account the consolidation of {intimacy} or LinCHérie.

The company expects REBITDA (recurring EBITDA) to grow faster than turnover in 2010 as a whole and says one reason for this is the cost savings implemented last year.

Van de Velde says it continues to roll out its strategy wholeheartedly and a number of major initiatives are planned, especially in retail. The company has recently acquired the Dutch retail cooperative LinCHérie and now holds 85% of {intimacy}. The multi-brand US lingerie chain is expected to generate turnover of around $38 million in 2010, as well as opening at least three new stores, including two in Los Angeles.

In addition, two new Oreia stores are set to open soon, one in Germany and one in Spain and Van de Velde will also strengthen support programmes for independent retailers. The company says that this underlines its belief that specialty boutiques are the best sales channel for luxury lingerie.