The United States remains one of the most competitive and fast-evolving retail markets in the world. With constant store openings, remodels and brand repositioning projects, it represents both an enormous opportunity and a demanding environment for companies operating in retail execution.
We spoke with Stefano Pieri, Managing Director of Pardgroup US, to understand why investing locally is no longer optional in this market – especially for companies working at the intersection of retail, production and brand experience.
The US is often described as the most competitive retail arena globally. What makes it so unique?
The US retail market operates at a different scale. The size of the country, the purchasing power, and the density of global brands create a highly dynamic environment where innovation and speed are constant expectations.
What makes it unique is not just its volume, but its rhythm. Retailers continuously open new locations, redesign flagships and invest in experiential formats to stay ahead of the competition. This generates a continuous demand for quality-driven execution, operational precision and scalability.
For companies like ours, that means being able to deliver consistently – across states, timelines and formats – without compromising standards.
Intimissimi, Parmigiano Reggiano & Calzedonia projects – production, installation and promoting by Pardgroup & PardForce
How does having a local branch and production facility impact retail execution?
In the US market, timing is critical. Retail calendars are tight, rollouts are often nationwide and brands expect responsiveness.
Having a local production facility significantly reduces lead times and improves supply chain control. It allows us to react quickly to last-minute changes, manage complex logistics and ensure smoother installations.
Equally important, producing locally helps us adapt to specific market preferences while maintaining strict quality standards. In a context where global supply chains have proven vulnerable, a domestic facility strengthens reliability and continuity – two factors that retailers value enormously.
Why was New York the strategic choice?
New York is one of the most influential retail hubs in the world. Most international brands have a presence here, and many retail trends start in this city before expanding nationally.
Being based in New York allows us to stay close to key decision-makers and brand headquarters. It also positions us at the center of a vibrant retail ecosystem – from flagship innovation to experiential store formats.
Operationally, the East Coast location also facilitates smoother coordination with European teams while enabling efficient access to major US markets.
Pardgroup New York Office & Team
How does the current economic and political landscape influence retail strategy in the US?
The current environment has reinforced a key principle: resilience matters.
Retailers and brands are increasingly attentive to supply chain diversification and domestic manufacturing capabilities. Policies encouraging local investment align with a broader market need for stability and risk mitigation.
Our decision to invest in the US was part of a long-term strategic plan, but the current context has validated it. Being locally integrated reduces exposure to external disruptions and positions us as a more reliable partner in a market where speed and certainty are critical.
Stella McCartney, Brunello Cucinelli, La Coqueta, Amiri projects across US – production and installation by Pardgroup
The Pardgroup Perspective
Succeeding in the United States retail market requires more than exporting expertise. It requires proximity, operational infrastructure and a deep understanding of local dynamics.
In a market defined by constant evolution and high expectations, local presence is not simply a structural advantage – it is a strategic necessity.
