Michael Hill Jeweller
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Jewellery retail |
| Founded | January 1, 1979 in Whangārei, New Zealand |
| Founder | Michael Hill, Christine Hill |
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand, Canada |
Key people | Emma Hill (Chairperson), Michael Hill (Founder/President) |
| Products | Jewellery, watches |
Number of employees | 2600 (2024) |
| Website | www |
Michael Hill International Ltd. is a specialised jewellery retailer with a network of 300 stores spanning Australia, New Zealand, and Canada as of June 2024. The organisation employs approximately 2,600 full-time personnel and is based in Brisbane, Australia.
History
The company was established in 1979 by Michael Hill and his spouse Christine in Whangārei, New Zealand. It gained recognition through distinctive store layouts, a product line exclusively featuring jewellery, and significant marketing efforts.
By 1987, Michael Hill had expanded to 10 outlets and was publicly listed on the NZX. That same year marked its expansion into the Australian market with the launch of four additional stores.
By the year 2000, the brand operated 40 locations throughout New Zealand, including a dozen situated in Auckland.
In 2002, Michael Hill entered Canada by opening its initial stores in Vancouver, British Columbia. Presently, it maintains operations across five Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. The company briefly ventured into the United States in 2008 through the acquisition of 17 stores in Illinois and Missouri but withdrew completely by April 2018 after closing its final nine outlets.
As of mid-2013, sales distribution showed that over 60% originated from Australia, 20% from New Zealand, with the remaining share coming from North America.
Following the annual general meeting in November 2015, Emma Hill, daughter of Michael Hill, assumed the role of chairperson.
In April 2023, Michael Hill expanded its Australian presence by acquiring Bevilles, a jewellery chain with 26 stores.
Michael Hill watches
After conducting a five-year pilot program, the company introduced its proprietary Michael Hill watch line in late 2006. By mid-2007, it had largely replaced other brands except Citizen watches. By 2008, only timepieces bearing the Michael Hill brand were retailed in their stores.
Timeline
- 1979: First Michael Hill store launched in Whangarei, New Zealand.
- 1981: Commenced internal jewellery production.
- 2006: Debuted the Michael Hill Watch Collection.
- 2009: Rolled out the Michael Hill Charms Collection.
- 2010: Closed eight US locations amid operational restructuring.
- Initiated a $40 million NZD dispute with the Australian Taxation Office.
- 2013: Unveiled a global brand initiative centred on bridal and feminine jewellery.
- 2014: Faced subdued Australian sales due to economic challenges; resolved tax dispute with Australian authorities.
- 2015: Opened a retail outlet in New York City; observed improvement in Australian sales. Sir Michael Hill transitioned to Founder/President while Emma Hill became Chairman.
External links
- Companies based in Brisbane
- Companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange
- Companies listed on the New Zealand Exchange
- Cross-listed companies
- Jewellery retailers of Australia
- Jewellery retailers of Canada
- Jewellery retailers of New Zealand
- New Zealand companies established in 1979
- Retail companies established in 1979
- Watch brands
- Clock manufacturing companies of Australia
- Watch manufacturing companies of Australia