16 April 1998: Swarovski and Co., the Austrian-based maker of full-cut crystal, jewellery and optical instruments, has reportedly combined two of its North American consumer goods groups based in Cran…
16 April 1998: Swarovski and Co., the Austrian-based maker of full-cut crystal, jewellery and optical instruments, has reportedly combined two of its North American consumer goods groups based in Cranston, Rhode Island (US), to form a single company. The new company, called Swarovski Consumer Goods Limited, comprises Swarovski“s crystal jewellery division and its giftware group. Both were located within one-quarter mile of each other in the Howard Industrial Park. Renovations are under way for the new headquarters, which will be located at the present jewellery division facility, said Hedi Fitz, vice president of marketing. The company said it would establish a new management team and invest in the development of retail stores across the country to showcase its products. Fitz said there would be no layoffs as a result of the consolidation. “If anything, I think it will enhance our business,” she said. “We share the same consumer. The consumer who purchases Swarovski jewellery has a high propensity to purchase giftware. It only made sense for us to come together and solidify our marketing efforts.” Swarovski had also recently formed another company, Swarovski Crystal Components Limited, to market and distribute loose crystal stones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the company said. Swarovksi has about 500 employees in Cranston and about 9,200 worldwide. The privately held parent company was founded in 1895 and is based in Wattens, Austria.