Hearts On Fire Names 2016 Retailer of the Year

Boston--Hearts On Fire has announced the winners of its top honors for its independent retail partners, naming a Midwestern jeweler its 2016 Retailer of the Year.

This year, the brand had a new set of criteria and awards, now comprised of five categories: Bridal, Strongest Increased Retail Sales, Brand Advocate, Rookie of the Year and the top honor, Global Hearts On Fire Retailer of the Year.

In past years, the awards were given based on region. However, this year, the 2016 honors were given to retail partners who “best aligned themselves with Hearts On Fire’s specific business goals,” the company said.

These companies are being recognized for dedication to growing their Hearts On Fire business, providing an unforgettable brand experience, maximizing marketing initiatives and in-store environments and a culture of exceptional training and brand values designed to drive sell-through at the counter.

The winners for this year are as follows.
--Global Retailer of the Year: James & Sons, in Chicago and Orland Park, Illinois and Schereville, Indiana
--Rookie of the Year: The Diamond Galleria in Evansville, Indiana
--Bridal Retailer of the Year: Wedding Ring Shop in Honolulu, Hawaii
--Increased Sell-Through Retailer of the Year: Koser Jewelers in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
--Brand Advocate Retailer of the Year: MG Joyeros in Panama City, Panama

Receiving this year’s top honor, Chicago-based James & Sons, led by owners Jim and John Sunderland, exceeded their business goals and remained committed to everything that the Hearts On Fire brand had to offer in 2016, the company said.

With increased inventory, brand training for staff, a creative marketing plan and a number of trunk shows, as well as the installation of new HOF brand boutiques in all of their stores, “the James & Sons team truly exemplified what a best-in-class retail partner should be and has set a new standard of partnership for the future,” Hearts on Fire said.

Hearts On Fire President Caryl Capeci also said, “2016 was a year of laser focus for Hearts On Fire, as we took huge strides in building the brand and continuing to strengthen our independent retail partnerships. Our primary objective and the foundation of our programs was to drive sell through success at retail and support our partners to achieve a ROI above industry standards.

“As a result, our brand is stronger than ever, and we are positioned for huge momentum as we head into the New Year. We sincerely thank our