Fashion and accessories brand SORBET ISLAND has its sights firmly set on expanding its presence within global travel retail, after a successful debut in the channel in partnership with leading retailers including Lagardère Travel Retail, Eurotrade, Duty Free Shops Bermuda, Miles & More and Inflight Service Europe.
Created by Sophia Mamas in 2014, the SORBET ISLAND brand portfolio features three key categories – swimwear, accessories and jewellery – all designed according to the brand’s key principles of inclusivity, authenticity and positivity.
Crafted in Greece by a passionate team of artisans and creatives, each piece is inspired both by founder Sophia’s childhood memories of summer, and the surrounding Aegean landscape and waters, thereby evoking a feel-good summertime/holiday vibe.
‘ONE SIZE FITS MOST’
In addition to its vibrant colour palette which helps to attract traffic in-store, the functionality and problem-solving features of the SORBET ISLAND portfolio ensure its products are ideally suited to travel retail.
Designed to be worn by every female figure, its versatile swimwear collection comes in one size, covering XS to XXL and A to G cups – a genuine game-changer for the travel retail industry (and indeed retail in general). Manufactured from a high-quality, hyper-flexible fabric, ONE SIZE FITS MOST, which significantly minimises inventory complexity. There is also no need for huge warehousing facilities to store different sizes; no need for changing cabins; and no need for specialist sales advisors. The collection features six different bikini styles and six one-piece swimsuit cuts, in 24 colours, to accommodate different retailer requirements.
In addition to swimwear, SORBET ISLAND offers a comprehensive jewellery and accessories collection. Best-sellers include its satin bracelets, which can be customised for events, gifting or corporate branding. Other popular items are the brand’s multi-functional cosmetics bags. These incorporate a water-resistant interior, making them the perfect travel companion, as they can be used as a clutch, a cosmetics bag – or to transport a wet bikini!
Taking off in travel retail
SORBET ISLAND is sold in over 5,000 stores worldwide. The company’s objective now is to build on its domestic presence, and target the entire travel retail ecosystem: airport shops, airlines, cruise ships and in-flight e-Commerce services.
The brand made its travel retail debut a few years ago, via selected collaborations including a pop-up at Munich Airport and listings at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with Lagardère Travel Retail, and the pre-order online shop of Inflight Service Europe. Following a successful presence at last year’s TFWA Tax Free World Exhibition, the brand secured listings with Duty Free Shops Bermuda and onboard Discover Airlines; supplied high-end skincare house La Prairie with branded accessories for a marketing campaign; and created custom bracelets for Air Caraïbes and Oettinger Davidoff.
The success of the Munich Airport pop-up has led to a permanent presence in Terminal 2. Additionally, this summer SORBET ISLAND is showcasing its portfolio at a pop-up in Geneva Airport with Lagardère. At least four more locations with Lagardère Group are planned for 2025, namely Paris Orly, Krakow John Paul II International, Nice and Marseille Provence Airports.
“Purchasing swimwear has always been a challenge for women for multiple reasons, including body image and confidence, fit and sizing issues, limited options for different body types, style preferences, lack of functionality and comfort,” noted SORBET ISLAND Sophia Mamas, CEO & Founder. “We have revolutionised the market by offering swimwear that always fits. At SORBET ISLAND, we design swimwear that celebrates every female silhouette, embracing the beauty of our diverse and ever-changing bodies.
“We know that travellers often make spontaneous purchases, and the simplicity of one-size swimwear absolutely encourages impulse buying. The assurance that the swimwear will fit without trying it on helps to drive speedy purchase decisions, especially in fast-paced travel settings.”
Mamas concluded: “We are excited to announce significant growth in the travel retail sector, marking a major milestone for the brand. Our mission is to help women all over the world by creating a more inclusive, comfortable, and sustainable product that simplifies the shopping experience during travel, and promotes body confidence.”
