Rubies and Bristol Novelty to merge operations in forward-looking response to Covid-19

Rubies Masquerade and Bristol Novelty have detailed the merger of its operations and office functions in a forward looking move to house all of its products under one banner as the industry begins to shake itself off from lockdown. It comes, the firm has stated, as companies the world over look to adapt to navigate the economic consequences of Covid-19.

Amid the changes at the firm, Rubies Masquerade has bid a fond farewell to its managing director, Holly Oldham, who returned to the firm in the managerial role, having previously held a long term role within its licensing business.

The launch of the company’s new Rubies Ecommerce trade website in July marked the beginning of the firm’s transition to ecommerce and ‘tech led partner engagement’, with forward ordering, fulfilment services, and bulk order upload tools available for customers. Add to that an effective window into all corners or Rubies’ consolidated group product warehouses, states the firm, and the entire portfolio is at customers’ fingertips.

“It’s a real Marquee licenses meets fashion forward fun proposition for all our retail partners,” said executive director Peter Warton. “The Rubies and Bristol product lines just complement each other so well. Harry and Sally, Butch and Sundance, MIB, Mr and Mrs Smith, Buzz and Woody, Batman and Robin… The list goes on.”

Mike O’Connell, COO Rubies Masquerade and MD Bristol Novelty will lead the integration and merger of resources, facilities and processes. Having successfully restructured and modernised the Bristol business over a two year period, O’Connell has been building the foundations to bring the Rubies UK group of companies together.

‘Having already rolled Mask- Arade Co into Bristol earlier this year, we now close the loop to consolidate considerable resources toward bringing fun and laughter to consumers across the UK,’ said the firm in a press release. ‘Our remit is to make it easier than ever for our retail partners to offer our great products to their customers.’

“Like many organisations around the world, Rubies group of companies must adapt and change to navigate the significant economic consequences of Covid 19,” said the firm.

On top of that, Peter Warton, executive director at Rubies, has expressed his gratitude onto leaving MD Holly Oldham.

“We of course thank her for her significant efforts,” he said. “In addition to her return stint as MD, Holly has been a long term and talented licensing executive with Rubies UK over many years. Particularly gifted in the art of public speaking and persuasive presentations, Holly has a thoroughly engaging demeanor and sharp wit. Rubies wishes her well for the future.”