Founded in 1952, AlMalki Group is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and is one of the region’s largest distributors and retailers of luxury goods. The company employs over 1,600 people and represents more than 105 luxury brands. The company relies on efficient and dynamic warehouse operations to support large numbers of outbound orders generated via e-commerce channels. Having used Infor WMS for many years, the group has now upgraded and expanded the solution to support a more digitalised operation and underpin future growth.

Infor WMS version 11.4.1 was selected based on its ability to deliver entirely paperless picking and packing methods to boost productivity, and capture all data, both inbound and outbound, to instill visibility and expedite decision-making and customer service. Put-away strategy, cluster picking, labels, catch data, wave processing and billing functionality were also key to the upgrade. Delivered entirely remotely as a result of COVID restrictions, the project was managed by SNS with integration supported by the AlMalki Group team following go-live.

“Luxury brands demand the very highest standards across the entire customer experience, and it’s imperative that we not only adhere to such standards, but that we do so in the most efficient way possible in line with our ambitious growth plans,” comments Khaled ElDamouri, AlMalki supply chain and logistics director. “With more than 105 brands, we operate high numbers of SKUs, and as such, require seamless warehouse processes and technology from which to maximise efficiency, space utilization and order reliability.

“SNS is a true partner, providing in-depth expertise and a wealth of experience of similar deployments, allowing us to pursue our digitalisation plans and achieve our warehouse management goals.”

“Warehouse efficiency, reliability and capacity are the cornerstones of any distributor operating today and, in the field of luxury goods, consistency and the very highest service standards are paramount,” comments Mario Ghosn, SNS general manager. “We’re delighted to be working with AlMalki Group, delivering the best warehouse platform via Infor WMS, and helping the group to embrace growing e-commerce demand in the coming years across the region.” 

The post Saudi Arabian luxury retailer and distributor optimizes efficiency with Infor’s warehouse management solution appeared first on RetailToday.

Focused around building its presence in key markets and becoming the clear leader in the US market, The Group has acquired marquis properties held by three of the country’s leading timepiece retailers, including Ben Bridge at the renowned Mall of America outside Minneapolis-St.Paul, Timeless Luxury Watches located just north of Dallas in Plano Texas, and the Betteridge boutiques in Greenwich, Connecticut, Vail and Aspen, Colorado. Each location offers exceptional opportunities for expanded growth, along with a valuable influx of existing watch clientele. The businesses will in turn benefit from The Watches of Switzerland Group’s unique and specialized approach to sales and customer service that includes creating immersive retail environments, supported with dynamic marketing, experiential activations and social engagement, along with its significant network of global resources that includes Watches of Switzerland, Analog Shift, Mayors, Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths.

“Since the acquisition of Mayors in 2017, followed quickly by the opening of Watches of Switzerland SoHo, The Group has shown its acute command of the US market and deep understanding of its discerning and diverse consumers,” says David Hurley, EVP of The Watches of Switzerland Group USA. He continued, “As leaders in the industry, we understand the responsibility that comes with that role and look forward to expanding our team in North America while investing in the growth of each of these new markets and communities.”

As part of The Group’s expansion strategy, Ben Bridge and Timeless locations will be converted to Watches of Switzerland boutiques, while the Betteridge locations in Greenwich, Vail and Aspen will continue to operate under the current name for the immediate future (Note: the Palm Beach Betteridge boutique remains under the family’s control). The Betteridge, Greenwich CT location will become the largest (square footage) boutique in The Group’s North American portfolio. As The Group looks to become stewards of the multi-generational Betteridge family business, Terry Betteridge will take on an advisory role in conjunction with the 3 acquired locations. His insight as a fourth-generation jeweler will help ensure success, as the boutiques will continue to carry jewelry from leading brands including Chanel, Buccellati, Verdura, and Marco Bicego.

“In many ways this seems like a return to our roots for Betteridge, with my family coming to the US from England in 1892, bringing with them generations worth of metal working skills,” says Terry Betteridge. He continues, “I’m honored to be able to bring the experts of my house, the craftsmen and generational tradition of excellence, to join Watches of Switzerland. Being a valued part of their global network will allow for the greater world to experience what makes Betteridge so special.”

The new acquisitions, combined with existing Watches of Switzerland and Mayors boutiques, give The Watches of Switzerland Group a market-leading position in the US, with a strategic retail foothold in the Northeast, South, Midwest and Mountain regions and operations in four new states. Through these five acquisitions and the opening of Watches of Switzerland in Kenwood, Ohio, The Group will be increasing US personnel by 75 through retention and new hires.

“After three years of strong foundational growth in the US market, these acquisitions and new openings are directly in-line with the projections we forecasted in our Long Range Plan,” states Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group. He continued, “Through focused investment on new projects and acquisitions, we continue our geographical diversification in order to solidify our position as the preeminent leader in the US market.”

The post The Watches of Switzerland Group Announces Major US Expansion appeared first on RetailToday.

But the company has employed a “secret weapon” which has delivered a “Survive and Thrive” result. This 12-year-old company founded by pilot and adventurer, Abingdon Mullin, has in its roots and at its heart, a lifestyle brand that resonates with its customers. “A customer is ‘A Crew Member,’ according to Mullin. “I have created an experiential platform which allows my customer base to engage with each other while utilizing their watch.” In fact, the Company offers 400 different combinations of watches and has a 30% repeat purchase rate amongst its base. Online retail typically has a 5% repeat purchase rate.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Company has offered virtual outreach through Crew-connecting experiences such as a three-day Zoom allowing members to focus on the COVID life now and future in terms of personal best goals, family priorities and professional alternatives. “A resounding affirmation I hear from the Crew is that we inspire each other to take control of the COVID challenges and navigate around them,” Mullin says.

The Abingdon Co. also recently launched its own YouTube Channel on June 1, 2020, a fast-paced series of empowering women actively engaged in daring outdoor pursuits with lessons learned from the challenge.

“As a niche retailer in this financially dicey COVID world, I believe that having built a sustainable brand has been my “Survive and Thrive” weapon. I highly recommend to any small business that deals directly with the consumer, that it should be developing a communication, relationship and mutual identity with its customers. Customer loyalty is a great asset in the face of this financial adversity,” Mullin said.

In addition to stronger engagement and strengthening relationships with customers, Mullin also looked to the federal government assistant programs for help and has been successful in benefiting from a PPP loan and an EIDL offered by the SBA. Mullin says: “This is the first time in American history that the government has put money into the hands of small businesses to use as they see fit without asserting control over the business. Being measured, prudent, wise and not panicked has supported our company through 2020 Q1 and Q2.”

The post Made-For-The-Active-Woman Watch Manufacturer Shows How Niche Retail Can Battle COVID-19’s Financial Distress appeared first on RetailToday.

Breitling provides trade offers on all luxury watch brands towards the online purchase of a new Breitling in the United States. The free estimate services are powered by pre-owned luxury retail specialist Crown & Caliber. Combining Crown & Caliber and Breitling data on historical watches makes this trade-in process an easy online transaction with 20% premium provided over market price. Additional incentives are offered to watch owners wishing to trade a pre-owned Breitling for a new one.

“We are very excited to provide consumers in the United States the convenience and easy process of trading in any watch online and receiving a premium credit that can be applied immediately towards the purchase of a new Breitling watch online. We strive to offer our customers the very best in e-commerce, which includes a vast array of payment options, including financing and now trade-in on Breitling.com,” said Breitling USA President Thierry Prissert.

“We have always seen ourselves as stewards of the brands and their legacies, so it’s an honor to work with a renowned brand like Breitling in this new landscape of re-commerce,” said Hamilton Powell, CEO and Founder of Crown & Caliber. “We believe that by pairing the trust and transparency we provide our customers with the respect that Breitling commands, this program will be the new future of the luxury watch market.”

Interested owners should visit www.breitling.com/trade-in and request a quote for their watch. Within one business day, Crown & Caliber will deliver a competitive offer based on current market trends and historical transactions. Sellers will receive the trade-in value to apply towards the online purchase of a new Breitling watch. When the watch being traded in is a Breitling, a significant premium will be added to the offer.

The post Breitling and Crown & Caliber Pioneer Shift in Luxury Watch Industry appeared first on RetailToday.