SUNGLASSES REPORT: MAUI JIM Maui Jim enjoys sunny spells after stormy 2016
Maui Jim reports better trading conditions and sales figures in 2017, following a very difficult year for the business in 2016 for multiple reasons. Giles Marks, Travel Retail Director talks to Charlotte Turner.
T
he Hawaii born-and-bred polarised sunglasses brand Maui Jim is now 35 years-old
with a solid decade of experience in travel retail alone – which the company celebrated at the end of 2016 – but last year was admittedly one of the most difficult to navigate, according to Giles Marks, Travel Retail Director. “In travel retail it’s been very
exciting…at the same time very challenging and 2016 was no different,” he told TRBusiness. “Previous to that we’ve had some tremendous growth of the last few years, but [2016 was] somewhat of a challenge.” As Marks often likes to (rightly)
point out, unlike other companies in travel retail, Maui Jim is a mono- brand company and as such, does not have to split its focus. “In all 12 months of the year we are constantly bringing out new styles, new colours, new lens technology, which is really what we’re renowned for at Maui Jim. “So we’re always cutting edge with
our lens technology; we’re always bringing the very best polarised technology to the marketplace and we’ll always continue to do that.” Marks is reluctant to be drawn on
Giles Marks, Travel Retail Director, Maui Jim.
which region is most important for the brand in travel retail and remarks that ‘all regions are important, whether it’s the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, or the Americas’. “We’re constantly focusing on
specific cultural incentives and programmes and products for those regions and for the consumers within those regions.”
EU & the Americas Marks did reveal to TRBusiness that so far this year both Europe and the Americas have exceeded the
Maui Jim appoints Grace Lee in Asia
Maui Jim appointed Grace Lee (left) as Travel Retail Manager for Asia Pacific effective from May this year.
Lee brings over 16 years
of travel retail experience throughout Asia, with broad knowledge of luxury goods, fashion, accessories and eyewear. She will be based in Hong Kong, allowing her to manage
JULY 2017
the region from her home-based office and can be contacted at
glee@mauijim.com. Giles Marks, Travel Retail
Director, comments: “May I thank personally all our valued customers for their patience and understanding over recent months. We look forward to partnering with all our retailers throughout Asia Pacific as we continue to establish Maui Jim as one of the premium sunglasses brands in this exciting and rapidly- growing category.”
company’s forecasts for travel retail. However, specifically for Maui Jim, Asia Pacific was the most challenging territory in 2016 and early 2017, given the tragic loss of Regional Manager, Jeremy Tan late last year. It was with deep regret and
great sadness that the company announced the untimely passing of Jeremy Tan on 16 December, after an 18-month battle with cancer. Jeremy joined Maui Jim in April
“In travel retail it’s been very exciting…at the same time very challenging and 2016 was no
different...Previous to that we’ve had some tremendous growth of the last few years, but [2016 was] somewhat of a challenge.”
Giles Marks, Travel Retail Director, Maui Jim
TRBUSINESS 47
Above: MJ’s Monstera Leaf rose gold frame.
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