Avi-8 upmarket

Avi-8 secures upmarket department store Nordstrom’s as a major US stockist

Fast-growing watchmaker Avi-8 is about to see its timepieces on sale in at US department store Nordstrom’s.

The upmarket retail giant will stock Avi-8 alongside fashion watch brands including Ted Baker, Skagen and Shinola at both its physical and online stores.

Avi-8’s range of pilot watches honour both the aircraft and the untold stories of the airmen who dedicated and sometimes gave their lives flying for the Royal Air Force.

The association is already helping Nordstrom’s sales, according to Vishal Tolani, Director, Solar Time Ltd., the parent company of Avi-8. “Initial sell through is good – I think this would be something worth noting for a brand with a British origin and soul,” he told WatchPro.

Jim Clawley, country manager for Dartmouth Brands, which distributes Avi-8 in the UK, says that the expansion in the United States comes at a time when the brand is enjoying considerable success in Europe.

“We are delighted to announce that after much work, Nordstroms are carrying a range of Avi-8 timepieces both online and instore. Nordstroms is a great addition to a growing base of watch and menswear retailers that have picked up our range of progressive and unique aviation inspired timepieces. The next few months are an exciting time as we roll out Avi-8 into Italy, Sweden and Germany. Product wise there are some superb pieces about to be released with much anticipation from retailers and distributors who got a glimpse of them at Basel,” said Mr Clawley.

British history is a key part of the Avi-8 story, and features prominently in its products and promotions. “The Battle of Britain Limited edition is one of the newer models that we are particularly proud of and we have already a very long list of back orders which is great news for a timepiece most of our clients only saw in prototype form in March.

“We will be building to a launch of this piece via our social media channels and will continue to expand and excite our fan base with compelling, beautifully made timepieces inspired by both men and machines of the sky,” reveals Mr Tolani.

 

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