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Brand And Retail News: Hearts On Fire Announces 2016 Retailer of the Year Award Winners December 28, 2016 (0 comments)
Boston, MA— Hearts On Fire last week announced its 2016 Retailer of the Year winners, its top honors for its independent retail partners. The rapidly growing brand partners number 750 locations in 32 countries. This year, Hearts On Fire announced new criteria and set of awards for the program. Awards formerly were made by region but now honor the retail partners who best aligned themselves with the brand’s specific business goals in five specific categories: Bridal, Strongest Increased Retail Sales, Brand Advocate, Rookie of the Year, and the top honor, Global Hearts On Fire Retailer of the Year, which this year went to James & Sons, with locations in Chicago and Orland Park, IL and Schereville, In.
All the retail partners are recognized for dedication to growing their Hearts On Fire business, providing an unforgettable brand experience, maximizing marketing initiatives and in store environments, and most importantly, an immersion into the Hearts On Fire culture of exceptional training and brand values designed to drive sell through at the counter. In addition to James & Sons, the winners for this year are:
- Rookie of the Year - The Diamond Galleria, Evansville, IN
- Bridal Retailer of the Year - Wedding Ring Shop, Honolulu, HI
- Increased Sell-Through Retailer of the Year - Koser Jewelers, Mount Joy, PA
- Brand Advocate Retailer of the Year - MG Joyeros, Panama City, Panama
“2016 was a year of laser focus for Hearts On Fire, as we took huge strides in building the brand and continuing to strengthen our independent retail partnerships. Our primary objective and the foundation of our programs was to drive sell-through success at retail and support our partners to achieve a ROI above industry standards,” said Caryl Capeci, president. “As a result, our brand is stronger than ever, and we are positioned for huge momentum as we head into the New Year. We sincerely thank our partners worldwide, and hope that they are all as excited as we are to see what comes next during this exciting time.”
Chicago based James & Sons, Global Retailer of the Year, is led by owners Jim and John Sunderland (top of page). The firm exceeded its high business goals and took a deep commitment to everything that the Hearts On Fire brand had to offer in 2016. With increased inventory, exceptional brand training for staff, a creative marketing plan and robust trunk shows, plus the installation of new HOF brand boutiques in all of its store environments, the James & Sons team truly exemplified what a best-in-class retail partner should be and has set a new standard of partnership for the future, says the supplier.
The Hearts On Fire counter at James & Sons.
A consistent top performer in the retail channel, The Wedding Ring Shop in Hawaii was recognized in 2016 as the Bridal Retailer of the Year. Led by owner Michael Han, the jeweler demonstrates incomparable passion for the Hearts On Fire brand, a deep knowledge of the diamond engagement and wedding band business, and one of the best sales teams in the entire industry.
Taking home Rookie of the Year Honors for 2016 was HOF newcomer The Diamond Galleria in Evansville, IN, owned by Tyna and Bert Wheat. With dynamic marketing plans, a team of passionate brand advocates and beautiful in store branded HOF environments, the Diamond Galleria team quickly proved that they were dedicated to making the Hearts On Fire brand excel in their store, after only twelve months.
The recognition of Increased Sell-Through Retailer of the Year in 2016 goes to Koser Jewelers, Mount Joy, PA, owned by Randy Wolgemuth. HOF put emphasis on helping drive sell-through performance for retailers in 2016, and the Koser team enjoyed the benefits of following the guidelines for best practice. Consistent execution and enormous passion for the brand led the jeweler to exceptionally new heights of retail sales success.
Finally, Hearts On Fire was thrilled to recognize the Brand Advocate Retailer of the Year as MG Joyeros in Panama City, Panama. Owned by Rajesh and Rina Mohinani, MG Joyeros has built its Heart On Fire business through exceptional marketing, best-in-class customer service, and some of the most beautiful HOF branded environments in the entire brand network.
Separately, Hearts On Fire has also announced the 2017 dates for its renowned Hearts On Fire University (HOFU), which will take place October 8-11, 2017, at The Wynn Las Vegas.