Jewellery chain Michael Hill International has its eye on a fresh venture.
The company, which launched its new brand Emma & Roe exactly one month ago, is on track to expand the business going forward.
Emma & Roe offers unique jewellery collections consisting of bracelets and charms along with matching jewellery and takes its name from the Hill family – “Emma” being Sir Michael’s daughter and “Roe” being Christine Lady Hill’s maiden name.
Commenting on plans for the business going forward, the company said it sees potential.
“With plans to refurbish and rebrand the remaining trial stores by the end of 2014, the company will look to assess brand performance and make further plans for Emma & Roe in early 2015.
“Capital involved in this concept is approximately half that of our traditional Michael Hill store and it is expected that in the long term there will be a similar percentage return on funds employed compared to the existing Michael Hill brand.”
The company added that it views the two brands as complementary within the jewellery sector with Michael Hill continuing to focus on diamonds, bridal and fine jewellery.
To ensure the new brand's success, Michael Hill has also recruited an experienced and talented team to head up the venture, with ex-Diva executive Micah Walker appointed as the division’s general manager.
Walker, previously Diva Accessories international division general manager, has brought extensive international retail experience to the role.
The company had been trialling the Emma & Roe concept over the past 18 months in five Queensland shopping centres and recently launched a dedicated concept store off the back of encouraging results.