Photo above: Jewel Kade Founder Janet Kinkade (left) and Thirty-One Gifts Founder Cindy Monroe.
Thirty-One Gifts is ringing in the new year with a new addition to its family of brands. The Columbus, Ohio-based company has announced the acquisition of Utah-based direct seller Jewel Kade, an artisan jewelry brand founded in 2009. Beginning in spring 2015, Thirty-One will offer JK by Thirty-One jewelry in addition to its handbags, totes and home organization products.
Similar vision and values make the two companies a great fit, said Thirty-One Director of Communications Kate Hannum-Rose. Like Thirty-One Founder Cindy Monroe, Janet Kinkade launched Jewel Kade from her basement with the hope of equipping and empowering women to succeed on their own terms. Both brands also bring a personal touch with the option to customize various products. Jewel Kade now partners with a network of 1,500 stylists nationwide and has been featured on The Today Show, Ellen and American Idol.
JK by Thirty-One is not the only fresh offering coming to Thirty-One customers in 2015. The company has also acquired upscale accessories brand Jewell, a direct selling startup co-founded in 2013 by Monroe and her sister, Christie Jewell Woodfin. These strategic acquisitions bring new growth opportunities to a company that has achieved annual net sales of $763 million in its first decade.
“Years ago, Thirty-One offered gifting categories like jewelry and purses, and these acquisitions are great opportunities to bring some of these successful products back in our product offering, along with the other amazing bags, totes and home organization products in our spring catalog,” said Hannum-Rose.
With the acquisition, Thirty-One is offering Jewel Kade stylists the opportunity to join its family of consultants. Kinkade will also carry on her role as the principal jewelry designer for JK by Thirty-One.
