Richemont sales for the six months to the end of September showed how important the American market has become.
Sales in the Americas rose by 11% for the half year, compensating for an 18% drop in Asia, excluding Japan.
The group’s specialist watchmakers delivered flat year-on-year sales, even in the Americas, so the region’s growth overall was pinned on the performance of its jewellery maisons.
Cartier is classified among Richemont’s jewellery brands alongside Buccellati, but Van Cleef & Arpels is a standout performer thanks to a combination of its exquisite jewellery and watches, its ultra-luxury brand positioning and the experience that its high net worth customers enjoy at its global network of around 185 boutiques.
The US market is so important to Van Cleef & Arpels that it has just opened its third boutique in midtown Manhattan.
The new showroom is on the corner of 62nd Street and Madison Avenue, just south of a cluster of Richemont watchmaker boutiques for Jaeger LeCoultre, A. Lange & Sohne and Panerai, and just north of IWC’s recently opened flagship on Madison.
It is said to complement Van Cleef & Arpel’s historical flagship on 5th Avenue.
“Opening our third boutique in New York City is a thrilling moment,” says Helen King, president & CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, Americas.
“The Maison has a long and rich history with the city of New York, and this new boutique is a crucial part of our future here. It’s a unique extension of our beloved flagship and an opportunity to welcome long time clients as well as newcomers to singular universe in this beautiful new neighbourhood. We have made sure that every last detail of the boutique honours our dedication to craftmanship, design and enchantment- and meets this special moment in our New York story,” she adds.
The boutique occupies five levels including an outdoor rooftop terrace.
The first floor has double-height ceilings and a large Veronese chandelier giving a sense of grandeur and energy.
The first floor is reached via a sweeping staircase lined with mural work by the specialty finishing firm Fresco focusing on subtle textures, from feather-inspired décor to a poetic evocation of the sky.
Level two is designed like a New York City penthouse, with natural green touches and hand-painted flowered wallpaper by Fromental.
Levels three to five are divided into salons and event spaces for private consultations. There is even an open fireplace on the fifth floor, drawing people into the cosy lounge.
Van Cleef & Arpels London
Van Cleef & Arpels has also invested in its London footprint with a second boutique on Bond Street.
The new store opened on November 8 at 169 New Bond Street, offering 1,400 square feet of retail space that is designed for intimate consultations and customer events for jewellery and watch enthusiasts in a nature-themed environment.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ High Jewellery, Jewellery and Watchmaking will be displayed along with a selection of its perfumes.
