Ken Rees profiles an Avonmouth firm with a worldwide reputation – even though it is little known in Bristol and the South West
Harding Brothers is a world leader in the specialised business of operating retail shops on luxury cruise ships. Its designer shops can be found all over the world, from New York to Los Angeles and Sydney to Shanghai. It sells some of the most exclusive brands of clothing, jewellery and cosmetics – and yet many people have never heard of the firm.
This fast-growing Avonmouth enterprise has seen off strong competition for cruise ship franchises to build up a clientele of almost exclusively discerning and wealthy customers. And more opportunities are opening up because, despite the economic slowdown, the cruise market continues to expand. More than 100 luxury cruise ships are currently sailing the world with many more under construction or planned.
Just how much of this market Harding Brothers has cornered is clearly demonstrated by sales which last year topped £100m.
Harding Brothers now has virtually 100% of the market among UK-focused cruise lines and US luxury cruise operators. The firm also has a strong and growing position in Australia.
It has just 120 shore-based employees in Avonmouth and 650 staff at sea selling everything from designer brands like Hermes and Chanel to luxury watches such as Rado and Chopard. Also featured are jewellery and accessories from names including Stern and Swarovski.
Now the firm plans to grow even faster, helped by a recent £9.5m loan arranged through Barclays Capital in Bristol.
As managing director Harold Gittelmon put it: “We already have a solid reputation and very strong relationships with our cruise line customers. This financing agreement with Barclays will enable us to expand our presence on the next generation of luxury cruise ships currently under construction.”
The firm was founded in 1927 to service the needs of the busy shipping trade centred on Bristol. Now it works with all the top cruise lines including Cunard and P&O as well as Seabourn, Crystal and Royal Caribbean – to name just a few.
So while Britain’s High streets face tough economic challenges, Harding Brothers continues to grow rapidly with more than 150 outlets on some of the best known and luxurious cruise liners in the world. The 2010 Marine Retailer of the Year is confident it can look forward to smoother sailing ahead.
