In an email sent to Australian and New Zealand stockists, Adcock advised retailers carrying the brand that it would be serviced by HOB until 15 January 2018.
The Alex and Ani ‘concept’ store located at Westfield Fountain Gate shopping centre in Melbourne, as well as the eight ‘studios’ – or kiosks – across NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia have consequently closed.
“As you are all aware, the current retail environment is very challenging and many businesses have certainly felt the effects. As a result, we have had to restructure the House of Brands business and have shut down the Alex and Ani retail stores,” Adcock’s email read.
“We have been in negotiations with Alex and Ani US on creating a viable future for Alex and Ani in Australia and New Zealand; however, we have not been able to reach an agreement that would secure a sustainable role for House of Brands as distributor of the brand locally.”
Adcock added that the US company was currently accessing how it would manage the Australian and New Zealand market and she would advise the industry once a decision had been made.
HOB secured the distribution rights to Alex and Ani in December 2015. Adcock said there were more than 100 existing stockists in Australia and New Zealand.
Carolyn Rafaelian founded Alex and Ani, which specialises in collectible charm bangles, in 2004.
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