1. Answer the question.

1. When and where did Guccio Gucci set up his saddlery and luggage company?

2. Who helped make Gucci synonymous with Hollywood chic?

3. When did the company get the legendary GG logo?

5. When was the company transformed into a public company?

6. Where are Gucci’s stores located?

7.Who are new Creative Directors of the company at present? What are their responsibilities?

2. Are the following statements true or false?

1. Exclusive leather goods for Gucci were produced by the best Florentine craftsmen.

2. The first store abroad was opened in Tokyo.

3. Gucci created the icon Flora silk scarf for Audrey Hepburn.

4. A Bahrain investment company aquired 100% of the shares of Gucci.

5. The company controls the production of watches and owns Severin Montres.

3. Translate the text. Text 14

• Read the information about the company and do exercise that follow.

IKEA

IKEA is a Swedish company. It manufactures and sells furniture. The company owns 180 stores in 43 countries. It employs 84,000 people worldwide. The President of the company is Anders Dahlvig. The business idea of the company is to offer a wide range of furniture, good design and function and low prices.

It’s been six decades since IKEA began in a small farming village in Sweden. This is a history of how IKEA went from the woods of southern Sweden to 43 countries around the world.

IKEA was founded by Ingvar Kamprad. In 1943, when Ingvar was 17, his father gave him a gift for succeeding in his studies. The gift was used to establish his own business. IKEA originally sold pens, wallets, picture frames, table runners, watches and jewellery.

In 1945, the first IKEA advertisements appeared in local newspapers.

In 1953, the furniture showroom was opened in Almhult. The opening of the showroom was an important moment in the development of the IKEA concept. For the first time customers could see and touch furnishings before ordering.

In 1955, IKEA began designing its own furniture. Pressure from its competitors caused suppliers to boycott IKEA. This reaction to its early success required IKEA to begin designing its own furniture, and became the basis for future growth. Turning problems into opportunities.

In 1965, the IKEA store in Stockholm was opened. The success created huge problems in serving the customers. By opening the warehouse and letting people serve themselves, an important part of the IKEA concept was born.

In 1973, the first store outside Scandinavia was opened outside Zurich, Switzerland. Its success paved the way for a quick expansion in Germany, which is the largest IKEA market today.

In 1985, the first IKEA store was opened in the USA. At first, the company wasn’t sure the USA needed IKEA. But they discovered there was a need everywhere for useful, attractive home furnishings at prices for every wallet.

In 1997 IKEA introduced Children's IKEA.The company worked with child psychologists and professors in playing to develop products. Now IKEA offers to kids play areas, children's room settings, baby areas, special meals in the restaurant and still more.

In 2000, the first IKEA store was opened in Russia.

In 2001, IKEA established IKEA Rail AB. Railways were always an important part of the company’s early transport strategy.