US. The Anglo-American jeweller Hot Diamonds is accelerating its play for the travel retail market which began six months ago at the TFWA World show.
The company, which offers pendants, rings and bracelets in silver and diamonds – heavily branded at medium price points – was at the Duty Free Show of the Americas last week to continue its growth and show its latest collections. Hot Diamonds is part of the UK’s Historic Originals group with offices in Reading in the UK and Camden, Maine in the US. The brand won the American Jeweller of the Year Award in 2001 and 2003; and was second-placed to Gucci in 2002.
The US was one of the first markets for the company and there are now ten brand stores there and a total of 1,500 doors. In Americas travel retail Hot Diamonds is represented by World Class Brands led by Leonard DiCristofano. In travel retail the company has started business with British Airways, Aer Rianta International, Alpha Retail and The Nuance Group. Certain lines have been onboard Gulf Air for just three weeks and they are already claimed to be the tenth best selling product for the carrier. In the UK the charter airline First Choice is coming onboard with its new season just beginning.
To keep its profile fresh and image conscious Hot Diamonds updates its collections two or three times per year. Hot Diamonds head of global expansion Julian Mullins told The Moodie Report: “We bring diamond jewellery into a category that anyone can afford.” Mullins believes there is a big opportunity to repeat the success of the UK market in other domestic and travel retail markets.
For travel retail the company offers 66% of its total range and for new retailers this can be packaged into a starter offer of 46 pieces including a POS display for around US$1,500. All its marketing images show lifestyles and its brands being worn by people.
The products are rhodium plated, combining textured finishes and each piece is presented in polished wooden gift box. The other brands of Historic Originals include Hot Diamonds Man, Hot Diamonds Gold, Hot Silver and 2:Blue.
Travel retail enquiries to Julian Mullins at email: julianm@historic.co.uk and for the Americas Leonard DiCristofano at email: lennydi@aol.com
