Poor July sales rock high street recovery

Poor in-store sales through the month of July have “dampened hopes of a recovery” across UK high streets, according to the latest High Street Sales Tracker from BDO. In-store like-for-like sales decreased by 39.4% last month, down from a marginal base of 0.1% that was reported the year before.  According…

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Usdaw warns business rates increase could risk more jobs

Retail trade union Usdaw has expressed “major concerns” over reports that the government is considering increasing business rates for premises with a rateable value over £51,000. The news comes as reports suggest Rishi Sunak is considering increasing business rates in an effort to boost the UK economy. Instead, Usdaw is…

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Price of gold hits ‘record’ high

The price of gold has topped $2,000 (£1,527) an ounce for the first time in history, as investors look to move cash into gold amid increased concerns over the global economy and geo-political tensions.  The price of gold first hit a “record” high last week, when its price was bumped…

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July footfall bolstered by hospitality reopening

Footfall in retail destinations across the UK was down by 39.4% in July, according to the latest figures from Springboard. Nonetheless, this marked an improvement of nearly a fifth from June, with the month ending with the best result recorded since February. Footfall was reportedly boosted by the reopening of…

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Industry hotline sees surge in enquiries

The NAJ’s Better Business Support Service has seen a 72% durge in enquiries between June and July.  The hotline provides jewellery professionals with free one-to-one reviews for advice on HR and health and safety queries.  According to the NAJ, the hotline ensures businesses stay compliant in matters relating to health…

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Birmingham Jewellery Quarter clock to be removed for restoration work

The historic Chamberlain Clock in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is set to be removed so it can undergo an “extensive” restoration process. Later this month, the process will begin to dismantle and remove the Chamberlain Clock from its current home on the roundabout junction of Warstone Lane and Vyse Street in…

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Annie’s Legacy donates to hospice

Annie’s Legacy has announced that it will donate a 15% contribution to the East Cheshire Hospice for all projects undertaken or purchases made in the memory of a loved one. Annie’s Legacy is a “new, sensitive and unique service” that repurposes the jewellery left behind by loved ones. Helen Dimmick,…

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NAJ pledges action on equality and diversity

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) announced it has been consulting with individuals and businesses over the “feelings, experiences and behaviours” regarding equality and diversity within the jewellery trade.  According to the association, committee representatives have also been “closely monitoring” events and have absorbed opinions” published on public platforms within…

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Swarovski Crystal Studio opens in London

Swarovski claims to be “redefining retail in the jewellery space” through the launch of its new Crystal Studio concept for customers.  After a series of “successful” openings in Milan, Paris, Tokyo, LA and Shanghai, Crystal Studio has now opened in London’s Oxford Street.  Its latest retail offering “elevates the in-store…

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MarketOrders launches blockchain solution

MarketOrders is set to launch the UK’s first end-to-end blockchain solution in a bid to “combat inefficiencies and minimise fraud” in the jewellery industry.  The blockchain technology will enable independent retailers to source products “quickly and cost-effectively” directly from global manufacturers, as well as digitalise all aspects of the supply…

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