City centre footfall increases as workers return to the office

Footfall across UK retail destinations rose marginally by +0.8% last week from the week before as performance was boosted by the return of office workers in city centres, according to the latest data from Springboard. The rise in footfall of +1.6% in high streets from the week before was predominantly…

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ROX opens first London store

Rox Jewellers has announced the opening of its first London boutique, located in the Battersea Power Station. The showroom comprises 1,500 square feet and has been designed in a similar style to the company’s six other Rox boutiques in the UK with bespoke fixtures, “luxurious” fabrics and “high spec” finishes…

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Chancellor reverses almost all mini-budget tax cuts

Newly appointed chancellor Jeremy Hunt has reversed almost all of the mini-budget commitments made by previous chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng last month, in a statement made at the Treasury today (17 October). He confirmed the basic rate of income tax will remain at 20% “indefinitely” until the economic situation stabilises, marking…

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Laings partners with Whisky retailer amid showrooms expansion plans

Independent jewellers Laings has formed a partnership with The Dalmore to serve its 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select Scotch whisky at its showrooms across the UK. It comes as the latest step in Laings expansion plan announced last year, which aims to transform its showrooms and workshops across the…

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Prada launches first fine jewellery collection

Prada has launched its first fine jewellery collection, Eternal Gold, which uses 100% certified recycled gold alongside artisanal techniques and precious gems and metals. The sustainable collection comprises snake bracelets, heart motifs, chain necklaces, and ribbon chokers, which Prada said are signs and signifiers of affection and love. Prada’s own…

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Amanda Coleman marks Top-Drawer show with new collections

Amanda Coleman has launched three new collections at the Top-Drawer show, the Tourmaline gemstone design pieces, the whimsical Sunshine and Showers and charming, seasonal Robin Redbreast creations. The British jewellery designer, who makes everything by hand in her Lincoln workshop, also revealed she has added six new retailers to her…

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Allum & Sidaway acquires Drakes Jewellers

Allum and Sidaway has announced the acquisition of Drakes Jewellers in Plymouth, with the transition to be finalised in mid-October. Jason Allum, managing director, will be taking over the reins of Drakes Jewellers as Allum and Sidaway welcome the Plymouth jewellers into its portfolio.  Drakes is an independent family jewellers…

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NAJ announces 2022 Chair’s Award

The 2022 NAJ Chair’s Award, sponsored by Presman Mastermelt, will be presented at the Benevolent Society Christmas Ball, held at the Grand Hotel Birmingham on Thursday, 8 December. The inaugural Chair Award was shared between the three trade charities of the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity, The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity and…

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LVMH revenues hit €7.57bn in H1

LVMH has announced revenue growth of 23% for its Watches and Jewellery business group in the first nine months of 2022 (H1), up from €6bn (£5.39bn) to €7.57bn (£6.6bn) year-on-year. Tiffany and Co. sales were driven by “strong” momentum in the United States, and its ‘Vision and Virtuosity’ exhibition at…

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Retail sales rise 2.2% in September

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) Sales Monitor reports that, on a total basis, sales increased by 2.2% in September, against an increase of 0.6% in September 2021. According to the BRC, the UK retail sales also increased 1.8% on a like-for-like basis from September 2021, when they had reportedly decreased…

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