Singapore show generates new clients and new opportunities

New Mexico, USA, May 26, 2010 – Gold Silk Inc, the award-winning duty-free jewellry supplier, reported that its participation in the TFWA Asia/Pacific Exhibition in Singapore earlier this month was “extremely successful” and has already yielded new client business and created a number of new business opportunities.

“We wish to commend TFWA for the extraordinary job they’re doing for its members. TFWA has firmly established the Asia/Pacific Exhibition as the premiere event in the region, and it has always been an outstanding event for Gold Silk, but this year, it exceeded our expectations,” said Nasib Thabet, CEO of Gold Silk. “From the opening session right to the show closing, we balanced a full schedule of appointments with many unscheduled walk in visitors, eager to learn more about the Gold Silk brand. The Asia/Pacific event has also increased awareness that Gold Silk is rapidly becoming a top selling duty free jewellery brand worldwide.”

Gold Silk will be meeting with clients and prospects at the TFWA World Exhibition: 17-22 October 2010 in Cannes, France.

“We’re extremely honored to have Cathay Pacific Airways join the growing worldwide Gold Silk family,” said Nasib Thabet, CEO of Gold Silk. “Cathay Pacific is one of the truly prestigious airlines in the world and our relationship with them demonstrates why Gold Silk is rapidly becoming a top selling duty free jewellery brand worldwide.”

Gold Silk is currently exhibiting during TFWA Asia Pacific Singapore, 9-13 May 2010 and can be seen at Stand #N1.

New website emphasizes company’s commitment to service

Albuquerque, New Mexico May 6, 2010 – Gold Silk Inc, the award-winning duty-free jewelry supplier, announced today the launch of a redesigned website to service the travel retail industry. The site, www.goldsilk.com, is specifically designed and oriented for the travel retail buyer in direct response to the large number of inquires the company is receiving about its brand and support programs. The website launch was planned to coincide with the TFWA Asia Pacific exhibition in Singapore.

According to Gold Silk’s CEO and President, Nasib Thabet, the new website “represents Gold Silk’s continued commitment to the travel retail industry and is an important step in making Gold Silk brand information readily available to our increased customer base and newly emerging business relationship worldwide. Our new web site format is easy to navigate and our clients will appreciate its look and user–friendly features.”

In February, Gold Silk announced global sales had increased over 30% in 2009 and the company is on track to achieve a similar increase in the current year. “As our business continues to grow, we’re expanding our production capacity and distribution channels, as well as our marketing programs in order to provide superior customer support,” said Thabet. “This website is a key element in our commitment to growth and service.”

The company’s website launch will be supported with various marketing and communications initiatives. After its debut in Singapore, the new website will support and reinforce Gold Silk’s brand identity throughout this year including at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes and at MEDFA.

Gold Silk will be at the TFWA Asia Pacific exhibition in Singapore 9-13 May 2010 Stand #N1.

“Mike’s extensive travel retail experience and his thorough knowledge of the Asian region are solid industry credentials that add credibility to Gold Silk’s growing presence in the region,” said Nasib Thabet , President and CEO of Gold Silk. “We think our partners will appreciate his local orientation and recognize his professionalism and integrity.”

As regional manager in charge of all operations, Bowden will focus on supporting existing clients and developing Gold Silk’s business in the Asia/Pacific region, targeting airlines and airports in the short term with an eye on opening the domestic markets in the future. “Gold Silk is becoming an established brand in the European and the Middle Eastern travel retail markets, and my job is to do the same in this region,” said Bowden. “Gold Silk is a dynamic and innovative company with a unique brand and patented selection of jewellery that provides a refreshing change for buyers.”

Bowden has been working in the world of travel retail for more than 20 years, living in Asia for a total of 9 years: 6 years in Singapore; and the last 3 years in Chiang Rai in Thailand. During those years, Mike worked for several luxury goods manufacturers, specifically with cosmetics, fragrances, confectionery and fashion accessories for companies such as Trussardi, Gianni Versace, Gianfranco Ferre, Marbert, Diesel, Hershey’s and Starbrook Airlines.

Gold Silk Inc. and Mike Bowden will be exhibiting at TFAP Singapore May 9 – 13, 2010, with an expanded presence and premium stand location. Look for Mike at Gold Silk Stand #403.

Middle East/Africa Regional Office Critical to Recent Growth

Gold Silk, the award–winning US based travel retail jewelry supplier, announced today that its Middle East and Africa regional sales continue to increase as Saudi Arabian Airlines and Emirates Airline expand their Gold Silk product offerings. Gold Silk credits its 2009 Middle East/Africa regional sales growth of 20% to its unique jewelry brand and the establishment of a Middle East/Africa regional sales office, providing clients with better customer service and enhanced regional focus.

“More airlines are finding that our distinctive, hand–strung, sterling silver and gold designs appeal to a large cross–section of clientele,” said Marwan Al Refai, Gold Silk Regional Manager for Middle East/Africa. “And, because our office is ideally located in Dubai, we can quickly assist clients in tailoring a program for their every need.”

After successfully introducing Gold Silk onboard in 2009, Saudi Arabian Airlines will launch an expanded Gold Silk line in March, including: ladies watches; a gold necklace and earrings. Additionally, in January 2010, Emirates Airlines in-flight sales program began offering a Gold Silk brand necklace and bracelet.

“We’re honored to have Saudi Arabian Airlines and Emirates Airline as part of the growing Gold Silk family,” said Nasib Thabet, CEO of Gold Silk. “Naturally, we intend to provide them –– as well as our other clients in the region –– with the highest level of client service and support available in this worldwide industry.” Other Gold Silk airline clients in the region include Air Arabia, Oman Air, and Beirut Sea Port. Gold Silk anticipates more airlines and airport clients will be added in the near future.

Client Growth and New Business Key to Performance Gains

Gold Silk Marketing/Sales VP Alex Saudargas described 2009 as “an excellent year for Gold Silk, and one that exceeded our expectations and sales projections.” Gold Silk – an award-winning, duty-free retail travel supplier – reported sales came in stronger than expected, during the final quarter of 2009 following a soft to moderate retail market during the summer months.

Contributing to the Gold Silk growth were sales across the board increases with airline in-flight sales, duty free, and travel retail. Overall for the year, Middle East/Asia sales increased 20%, while Europe was up 10% in 2009. Sales for Gold Silk Brand jewelry brought a 19% increase with Storybook Jewels sales improving an excellent 11%.

“The fact that Gold Silk is performing at a high level during this economy is quite remarkable,” said Nasib Thabet, CEO of Gold Silk. “It validates that Gold Silk truly appeals to a large cross section of the traveling shopper worldwide. Our clients are selling Gold Silk in good numbers that is increasing revenues and bringing in healthy margins.”

Sales guidance for the global retail jewelry supplier indicates continued strong sales growth for 2010 as Gold Silk experiences the additional sales and revenue impact from its expanding presence in the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. Gold Silk will attend the Duty Free Show of the Americas in Orlando, Feb. 21-25. Booth #2309.

Storybook Jewels Attracts Retailers to Untapped Growing Market

Gold Silk announced it was awarded the 2009 DFNI New Product of the Year for its Storybook Jewels collection by Duty Free News International (DFNI). DFNI, publisher of news and analysis for the travel–retail industry, conducts the annual review to honor innovation in the travel-retail and duty-free industry. In the review, DFNI said of the exciting new Storybook Jewels, “Gold Silk succeeded in creating an interesting product which has attracted retailers across the globe.”

Current industry research is pointing to a global upswing in ‘buying to please the children.’ That same research indicates that the emerging child-centered jewelry market has, until now, remained an untapped secret. Gold Silk’s Storybook Jewels is targeted as a gift item for girls ranging in age from five years to preteens.

“This dynamic new jewelry market isn’t a secret any longer, “said Gold Silk CEO and President, Nasib Thabet. “And thanks to Storybook Jewels’ charming packaging and irresistible high-quality offerings, it’s easier than ever to produce high margins and high turnover sales. Really, it’s a totally unique concept that offers something every traveling parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or relative can bring back as a special gift to the young girl back home.”

The fresh new designs are crafted in .925 sterling silver and feature an irresistible selection: bright and soft- hued pastels; colorful, enameled characters: specially created beads, pearl and crystal styles – all reflecting images that are dear to a child, from butterflies to hearts.

Storybook Jewels is available in matching necklaces, bracelets and earrings that can be purchased separately or as an ensemble. The collection is offered as complete retail turnkey package, with an eye catching display unit, gift boxes and in-store marketing collateral. Said Thabet, “We wanted to bring something to the marketplace that was both adorable and affordable.” The price points are, indeed, affordable — from only 29 to 59euros.

You can see Gold Silk’s award–winning Storybook Jewels collection and its other products at the IAADFS Show, Orlando, February 21-24, 2010 Booth 2309 where the company will premiere a new collection of designs.

As regional manager, Martinez will be responsible for all operations in the region, including: Mexico; Central America; South America; the Caribbean Islands and USA, with a primary objective of developing travel retail sales in Latin America. He will also assist in the rapidily expanding Gold Silk brand within the region’s airport and border shop, airline and cruise retail travel channels. Said, Martinez, “I will be pursuing all opportunties to introduce what, I believe, are the most dynamic jewelry collections out there for the retail travel industry. I’m eager to begin moving the Gold Silk brand into the important duty free, and travel retail markets and also selected specialty markets, domestic department stores, and vacation resorts. It’s a very exciting time to be a part of this terrific company.”

“Tom Martinez brings a wealth of retail travel experience, knowledge and success to our team,” said Thabet. “His commitment to professionalism and client service is unmatched in the industry. We’re very fortunate to have him… I know our clients will feel the same way.”

Previously, Martinez worked for Philip Morris International (PMI) for fifteen years, where he held a variety of sales positions, including most recently PMI’s Southwest Division Manager USA. From 1998-2002, Tom was based in Mexico City, Mexico and Panama City, Panama and was awarded PMI’s prestigious “Excellence Award” for his achievements in Latin America.

One of the newly-appointed manager’s first priorities will be to attend the Duty Free Show of the Americas in Orlando, February 21-25. Booth #2309.

New logo emphasizes company’s commitment to service

Gold Silk Inc, the award-winning duty-free jewelry supplier to the retail travel industry, announced today that it will be introducing a redesigned corporate logo at the Duty Free Show of the Americas in Orlando, February 21-25. According to Gold Silk’s CEO and President, Nasib Thabet, the new logo “represents an exciting new era of global business engagement and expansion for our company.”

In March, 2009, Gold Silk established a full service office in Dubai UAE, and is in the process of establishing an office in Asia. “Today’s shift to a new brand and a new look symbolizes the strategic transformation underway at Gold Silk,” said Thabet. “It also reflects the fact that, while our brand has deep cultural traditions, we’re quickly evolving into a global, contemporary company capable of providing our customers with a unique range of products and unparalleled service.”

The company’s brand transition will be supported with the largest marketing campaign in Gold Silk’s history, as well as through other promotional initiatives. “The new mark symbolizes the beauty, grace, elegance and sophistication of our products,” Thabet added. “The ever-present horizon silhouette also represents our commitment to extending our service capabilities throughout the world.”

After its debut in Orlando, the new and appealing graphic look will significantly enhance and reinforce Gold Silk’s brand identity throughout this year at the major TFWA exhibitions, in Singapore and in Cannes, France. The re-branding transition will occur over several months, with changes to include product packaging, retail displays, company website and advertising materials.