The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
About Retail: An American takes on Paris
A Pennsylvania retailer has become the U.S. distributor for “The Paris Bracelet,” a price-point, self-purchase item she hopes will make a splash in this market, à la Alex and Ani.
Lemoyne, Pa.--Across the pond it’s known as “Les interchangeables” but here in the United States, Susan Fotos has given it a name as simple as its construction: “The Paris Bracelet.”
The bracelet is the brainchild of Parisian designer Audrey Bot, who started out making bra straps that were indeed interchangeable and eventually arrived at this bracelet: a ribbon made in Japan--the same that is used as trim for a number of high-end clothing lines--set with Swarovski crystals and Elements in Paris.
Like popular lines such as Alex and Ani and Pandora, The Paris has a price point that will draw customers in time and again, retailing for $29 to $59.
“Alex and Ani and these kind of things are really popular, but who’s ever seen something like this?” Fotos asks. “I think this is something no one has had, and I think the time is right to offer something with sparkle, something easy, something fun.”
Fotos, who owns Higashi Jewelry and Eyewear in the Harrisburg, Pa. suburb of Lemoyne, first came across The Paris Bracelet in the summer of 2013 while attending “Who’s Next,” the Paris version of the ENK show.
She says she thought it was “cool” at the time but she wasn’t ready to act. The Euro still was really strong against the dollar and Bot was mobbed at her booth.
On a return trip to Paris, Fotos decided to move forward and placed a $1,200 order for The Paris Bracelet. She sold them all almost immediately, and Bot asked her to take on distribution for the bracelet in the U.S. market.
Since then, Fotos has brought Prime Jewelry Designs on board as her sales representative and has placed The Paris Bracelet at 176 stores. It has performed well there, and has done the same at her Pennsylvania shop.
She says of those stores that have had the bracelet the longest, since around Mother’s Day, 53 percent have re-ordered. In her store, the bracelets are producing repeat business. Mothers are returning to buy additional bracelets for their daughters, or customers are adding to their own collection in different colors.
“I think this could be the next big thing,” she says. “There’s something really that resonates with people.”
The Paris Bracelet is adjustable, which means they can be purchased for little girls performing in ballet recitals as well brides looking for something for their attendants
The crystals on the bracelet come with a one-year warranty--if one falls off in that time frame, Bot will replace the entire bracelet at no charge, Fotos says--and the material is color-fast, meaning it can be worn in the ocean or swimming pool without worry.
Retailers can place opening orders of $600, $800 or $1,000 with Fotos, who says she plans to offer plenty of support. In addition to the sales representation, her husband is joining her to handle shipping and customer service.
Also, retailers will be able to reorder online, at TheParisBracelet.com, but Fotos won’t be selling to online-only retailers. She says while brick-and-mortar retailers that have e-commerce are welcome to add The Paris Bracelet to their online inventory, she doesn’t plan to take it to e-tailers like Amazon.
There are 20 colors and 24 crystal patterns available in the U.S. so far. This Saturday, Fotos will return to Paris to select additional designs for the coming holiday season.
She’s hoping it will be a big one for The Paris here, a market where success lies in differentiation and being able to think outside the box.
Fotos started her store as a place to buy fine pearls but, today, “I go where customers go. They drive the business, and let them drive it. If they want price-point (merchandise), they’re telling you something.”
“Retailers have to be open-minded and try things if they want to stay relevant in this business because it’s hard.”
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.