SUCCESSFUL CANNES FOR TYKO AS HIPPIE CHIC CONTINUES TO BREAK SALES RECORDS

Following a hugely successful TFWA World Exhibition this year, TYKO has increased its inflight listings by 10% for key watch and accessory brands Breo, Hippie Chic and recently added One Tribe. Says Director Global Travel Retail Martin Lovatt: ‘We had an extremely busy week in Cannes this year with a 50% increase in appointments compared to 2012. We received very positive feedback on our new products and collections for 2014 and the general consensus was that performance onboard is ahead of buyers’ expectations – which is very encouraging.’

Reaction to the company’s collections for ground-stores was equally encouraging, adds Lovatt, with both current and new clients looking to expand distribution, primarily for Breo. ‘Given the phenomenal interest in Breo for ground stores, Tyko Travel Retail is now developing a new concept for airport and ferry/cruise ships for Breo which will both add value to any existing watch offer whilst significantly increasing the Breo brand presence,’ says Lovatt. Details will be announced very soon.

As a direct result of Cannes, new listings have been secured within Europe, Asia Pacific and North and South America. ‘We actually expect our listings business overall to have increased 30% by the year end with further new business being finalised early next year,’ continues Lovatt. ‘The reception to our new Tyko Travel Retail multi-brand strategy was also very well received,’ he adds. ‘Our aim is to offer a variety of different brands that fit all price and quality gaps with a choice ranging from current fashion trends to lifestyle time pieces.’

One of the company’s most successful brands this year has been Hippie Chic, with over 500,000 units sold inflight since its introduction in March 2013. Regularly a number one in-category seller, Hippie Chic is the perfect fashion accessory – quirky and feminine with a bohemian vibe. Combining vintage face designs with cord bracelets and leather straps adorned with wooden beads and charms which compliment the ‘stacking’ trend, Hippie Chic’s retail price point of around £12 has proved perfect for impulse sales. .

‘Hippie Chic has sold beyond all expectations – it really is the success story of 2013, breaking all sales records for the company,’ continues Lovatt. ‘We’re now introducing new designs for 2014 and are confident that the brand will continue to outperform wherever it is listed.’