Early Life
Luciano Hang was born on October 11, 1962, in Brusque, Santa Catarina, Brazil. He is of German and Italian descent and grew up in a family of textile workers. Hang attended local schools and later studied data processing at the Regional University of Blumenau. During his studies, he served as president of the Clube dos Estudantes Universitários de Brusque (CEUB) for three years.
Rise to Success
Hang's career began at the age of 17, working at the Carlos Renaux Textile Factory, where his parents were employed. In 1984, at the age of 21, he bought a towel factory, Tecelagem Santa Cruz. In 1986, he co-founded Havan with Vanderlei de Limas, starting as a small fabric store in Brusque. The name "Havan" was created by combining the first syllables of the founders’ last names: Hang and Vanderlei. Hang later became the sole owner. Under his leadership, Havan expanded rapidly, growing into a large retail chain across Brazil.
Key Business Strategies
Havan's growth strategy focused on aggressive expansion and creating a unique shopping experience. The company is known for its distinctive store facades, often featuring replicas of the Statue of Liberty and architecture resembling the White House. Havan expanded its product offerings, moving beyond fabrics to include electronics, appliances, clothing, toys, and home goods. Hang also implemented e-commerce early on, launching Havan's website in 2003. Havan has over 170 stores across Brazil.
Philanthropy
Luciano Hang is involved in philanthropic activities and supports various social causes. In 2021, he donated 200 oxygen cylinders to hospitals in Manaus during the COVID-19 pandemic.