RAPAPORT... Samer Halimeh NY, a jewelry supplier to the stars, has
opened its first store in London as part of a global expansion strategy.
The diamond boutique covers 279 square meters in
Knightsbridge, in the heart of London’s luxury retail district, and cost more
than $12.9 million (GBP 10 million) to build. Samer Halimeh’s diamond-jewelry
collection is on display on its ground and first floors, while a basement vault
houses more expensive jewelry, loose diamonds and other gemstones, the company
said Tuesday.
Samer Halimeh’s jewelry has been worn by talk show host
Oprah Winfrey, singer Elton John, model Naomi Campbell and various Hollywood stars,
as well as royalty in Saudi Arabia, Brunei and Abu Dhabi, the company added.
The brand, headquartered on New York’s Fifth Avenue, has previously had temporary boutiques in
Europe, but this is its first permanent store there. It also has stores in Kuala
Lumpur and Riyadh, and plans to launch outlets in Hong Kong and another in
central Manhattan.
“Our new London flagship store enables us to showcase our
complete collection,” said Samer Halimeh, the company’s founder and CEO. “We chose
London because it is a premier world city which serves as a hub for Europe,
Scandinavia and Russia/CIS, and benefits from luxury brand shoppers from the
Middle East, India and Africa.”
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