Extra support needed for retailers to meet rent demands, says Bira

“Positive action” is needed to help retail businesses meet rent demands as they continue to recover from the Covid-19 crisis, The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has said. It comes as the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) proposed for a Property Bounceback Grant, after exclusive research revealed independent retailers were concerned…

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E-Commerce reputation should be top of your agenda

E-Commerce has been a fiercely competitive space for many years now, with retailers fighting for market share through unique user experiences, an omnichannel offering and broad partner integrations, to name a few. But since the Covid-19 pandemic hit and with increasing online spending, businesses need to focus more heavily on…

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Bira thanks government’s #ShopLocal Week

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has thanked the government for the launch of #ShopLocal Week. The #ShopLocal campaign, which started on Monday (August 10) and runs until Sunday, August 16, aims to celebrate the British high street by encouraging customers to return to their safe, local shops, supporting the…

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Christie’s launches first diamond-dedicated auction

Christie’s has announced the launch of Jewels Online: Summer Sparkle, a curated online-only auction that specifically focuses on diamonds.  In its latest release, Christie’s said: “From classic colorless diamonds, to a wide variety of rare colors including pinks, grays, oranges, greens, browns and yellows this sale offers comprehensive selection of…

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Watches of Switzerland returns to growth

Watches of Switzerland has reported that full-year revenue rose by 5.9% to £819.3m in the period ended 26 April, 2020.  Before lockdown, the group reported “strong” trading during the 46 weeks to 15 March, with group revenue soaring by 15.8%. Revenue was up by 9.4% across UK operations, and its…

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Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair cancelled

Organisers for the Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair have confirmed that the event will no longer go ahead, following tightened restrictions in the area.  It comes as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government tightened its disease prevention and control measures, and extended entry restrictions for incoming visitors until…

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Auverture launches raffle for Beirut

Auverture has announced its support of the urgent relief efforts in Beirut through a fundraising raffle. The move comes after a giant explosion rocked the Lebanese city on 4 August, killing at least 200 people and injuring 5,000 more.  Auverture notes that several of its designers come from Beirut, and…

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UK in recession following 20% GDP slump

The UK economy has entered into a technical recession following a “record” fall in gross domestic product (GDP) during the second quarter of the year. According to the Office for National Statistics, GDP slumped by 20.4% between April and June 2020, compared with the 2.2% drop seen during Q1 2020…

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Rotary Watches marks 125th anniversary with new release

Rotary Watches is marking its 125th anniversary with the launch of its new Ultra Slim timepieces.  Ultra Slim is one of the principal collections from Rotary Watches. The slim timepiece has a 5.7mm of case profile, alongside “sophisticated” design details. The new collection was influenced by Rotary’s past vintage designs.…

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Appeal launched after £22,000 worth of jewellery stolen 

Surrey Police have issued a CCTV appeal after £22,000 worth of jewellery was stolen from a Reigate jewellers in a “distraction burglary”.  Officers were called to Philip Lloyd Jewellers in Reigate town centre following reports of the burglary, which took place on 18 July. According to the police, the young…

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