Michael Hill International Ltd. is a speciality retailer of jewellery. As of June 2024, it operates 300 stores in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.[1] The company employs approximately 2,600 permanent employees.[3] Its headquarters are in Brisbane, Australia.
History
The company started in 1979, when Michael Hill and his wife, Christine, opened their first store in the New Zealand town of Whangārei. A unique retail jewellery formula that included dramatically different store designs, a product range devoted exclusively to jewellery and almost saturation levels of high impact advertising elevated the company to national prominence.[2]
The company expanded to 10 stores by 1987, the same year it listed on the NZX. Also in this year, Michael Hill Jeweller expanded into Australia, opening four stores.[4]
In 2000, Michael Hill Jeweller had 40 stores in New Zealand, including 12 in Auckland.[5]
In 2002, the company expanded into Canada, opening its first stores in Vancouver, British Columbia.[6] Michael Hill now has a presence in five Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.[2] In September 2008, the company entered the United States market by acquiring 17 stores in Illinois and Missouri from Whitehall Jewelers.[2][7] By mid-2013 over 60% of overall sales were from Australia, only 20% from New Zealand, with the rest from North America.[8]
Emma Hill, the daughter of Michael Hill, succeeded him as chairperson after the November 2015 annual general meeting.[9]
In April 2018, Michael Hill closed their nine remaining stores in the US.[10]
In April 2023, Michael Hill announced it would acquire Australian jewellery chain Bevilles and its 26 stores for A$45 million.[11]
Michael Hill watches
In late 2006, following a five-year trial,[12] the company launched its own brand of watches under the Michael Hill name, phasing out all but the Citizen brand of watches by the middle of 2007.[13] By mid-2008, only Michael Hill-brand watches were available in the company's stores.[7]
Timeline
1979: Michael Hill opens his first store in Whangarei, New Zealand.[14]
1981: Michael Hill began manufacturing his own jewellery in house.[14]
2006: The Michael Hill Watch Collection was launched.[13]
2009: The Michael Hill Charms Collection was launched.[15]
2010: Michael Hill announced the closure of eight stores in the United States.[16]
2013: Michael Hill announced a new global brand, including bridal products and other jewellery which was more feminine.[18]
2014: Sales in Australia were described as "lacklustre" due to Australian economic performance.[19] The company settled its dispute with the Australian Taxation Office.
2015: The company opened a store in New York City in April 2015.[20] Australian sales improve after poor performance in that market during 2013–2014.[21] Sir Michael Hill moved to a new role of Founder/President, as his daughter Emma became Chairman.[22]
Gallery
Michael Hill and family in front of their first store
