Trends

Spanish brand Tous eyeing US expansion

TrendsAug 12, 2016

Spanish brand Tous eyeing US expansion

Tous, the Barcelona-based brand known for its signature bear, is searching for a distributor as it considers opening more doors in the United States.


Tous produces 30 new collections a year, all based on a singular theme chosen for the entire year. The 2015 theme is Miami. This bracelet from the spring/summer Hand collection is made in gold vermeil over sterling silver with a blue cord.
Basel--Tous, a jewelry brand that sells five-micron vermeil, sterling silver and karat gold jewelry, much of which is emblazoned with its signature bear, is searching for a distributor to expand its presence in the U.S. market.
  
Now under the operation of its third generation, Tous started as a jewelry and watch repair shop in Manresa (Barcelona), Spain in 1920. But it wasn’t until 65 years, and another generation, later that it found the bear that has become its symbol.

As the story goes, Rosa Oriol, the wife of the founders’ son Salvador Tous, saw a shop window full of teddy bears on a trip to Milan in 1985, and started making gold bears for her friends. It was so well-received that Tous started manufacturing jewelry bear en masse for its clients as well.

The bear celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and Tous, which first expanded outside of Spain in 1997 when it opened stores in Japan, has 495 locations worldwide. Its second biggest market after Spain is Mexico.

The brand’s footprint is a mix of standalone boutiques, department store shop-in-shops and wholesale accounts with retail jewelers, said Oscar Santos, the company’s director of expansion and retail travel, in an interview at the brand’s booth at Baselworld.

In the U.S., there are 26 standalone Tous stores already.

In addition, Puerto Rico’s Reinhold Jewelers --which is owned by Marie Helene Morrow, who is known for being the first to carry designers and brands that later become wildly popular--carries Tous, and Reinhold also operates six standalone Tous stores on the island.

The company’s eye on expansion in the U.S. market affords jewelers an interesting opportunity: the chance to partner with a brand that has jewelry in a range of retail price points, starting at $60 and climbing to more than $10,000, and is more than just jewelry.

Like other jewelry brands, Tous has other branded products and, as Le Vian aspires to with the recent launch of its line of accessories, considers itself a “lifestyle brand,” not just a jewelry company.

There are Tous-branded quartz watches (retail $200 to $500), handbags ($150 to $800), wallets, scarves perfume and sunglasses.

Tous designs its collections and produces them at its factory in Sabadell, Spain, and uses external workshops as well. All products go through quality control at its headquarters. 

Retailers that carry Tous jewelry also can carry its accessories.

Editor’s note: This story has been revised to reflect the following corrections: Rosa Oriol was inspired by a shop window in Milan, not Madrid; and Tous has 26 points of sale in the United States, not 20 as previously stated. The company’s manufacturing process also was clarified.  

 

 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

GIA new colored stone report
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More Gemstones

Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

Day’s Jewelers Salem New Hampshire store exterior
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth Store

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

Americas Gold Chain Catalog Volume 3
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain Catalog

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

F.P. Journe FFC prototype
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8M

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rolex Miami store
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in Miami

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Stock image of consumers shopping in the winter
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

National Association of Jewelry Appraisers logo
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

Silas Smith and his Responsible Design Challenge Winning Pendant
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge Winner

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

Sothebys orangy pink The Desert Rose diamond
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu Dhabi

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

National Jeweler columnist and Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’t

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Gemvision by Stuller MatrixGold 3.11
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGold

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

Sign at the JA New York jewelry trade show
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Juell Kadet, former executive vice president of Rogers & Hollands
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Lumia 2 smart earrings
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart Earrings

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Lionheart Wildflower Double Cocktail Ring
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s Birthstones

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings in Blaze
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ Earrings

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … White

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

Stuller holiday 2025
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ Campaign

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.

Fabergé x 007 Octopussy egg and pendant
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg Pendant

The man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.

Exterior of renovated and expanded J.R. Dunn Jewelers
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store

The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.

DD-Email-Image-1872x1052 (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural Diamonds

Sponsored by De Beers Group

G-Shock DWN5600 Ring
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock Watch

The classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.

Accredited Gemologists Association logo
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker Lineup

The association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.

 CBG logo
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event

The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.

Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement Ring

Fellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy