Footfall sees ‘most modest’ decline since lockdown

Footfall rose by 4.5% last week against the week prior, according to the latest figures from Springboard. The group said this rise was largely driven by high streets and shopping centres, where footfall rose by 6.8% and 4.7%, respectively, while slipping 0.7% in retail parks.  While this recorded rise was…

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Make consumers feel like a million dollars again

On Thursday 19 March, I found myself driving as fast as I could up the A12 towards the Suffolk countryside.  After a ‘hot tip-off’ that a lockdown was coming, we packed the cars, abandoned our London flat and decided to batten down the hatches amongst the green pastures of East…

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Beaverbrooks welcomes mandatory face coverings

Beaverbrooks has embraced the latest government announcement that requires all customers to wear face masks in jewellers from 24 July.  While the requirement for shoppers in Wales and Northern Ireland is kept under review, the jewellers said the move was a “really positive step”. The requirement was announced the week…

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The Alkemistry launches craft concept

London-based fine jewellery brand, The Alkemistry, has announced the upcoming launch of a luxury craft concept that is set to “harnesses luxury, craft, mindfulness and sustainability”. From 17 July, customers will be able to weave their own piece of fine jewellery from 18-carat gold chains and vibrant silk. The concept…

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Reopening date for non-essential retail in Leicester announced

Non-essential shops in Leicester will be able to reopen again on Friday 24 July, the government has confirmed. The local lockdown imposed on Leicester following a spike in coronavirus cases will begin to be eased from 24 July, although not all businesses on the high street will be allowed to…

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Goldsmiths’ Company launches collab to support Black jewellers

The Goldsmiths’ Company has today announced a collaboration with Kassandra Lauren Gordon, a Black jeweller who wrote an open letter to the jewellery industry highlighting how current practices and systems limit accessibility and entry into the trade for Black people. The letter also included a five-point plan to help increase…

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Going online – John Lewis closes down eight stores as Covid progresses

Following the havoc caused by COVID-19, the John Lewis Partnership has shocked the world with a difficult decision—permanently closing down eight stores, where 1,300 workers are now at risk of losing employment.  “Closing a shop is always incredibly difficult and today’s announcement will come as very sad news to customers…

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Lark and Berry introduces carbon neutral shipping

Lark and Berry has introduced carbon neutral shipping across its brand, in a move to further offset its carbon emissions. The group currently plants trees for every purchase made, but now aims to become “one of the few” e-commerce brands to offset 100% of carbon emissions from shipping.  For every…

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Diamond sales plummet at De Beers 

Rough diamond sales at De Beers slumped by 96% to $56m (£44.6m) in the second quarter of the year, down from $1.3bn recorded the year prior.  This was largely driven by lower volumes, which plunged by 97% to 300,000 carats in the prios, while prices also fell.  It comes after…

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NAJ set to cut jobs

The NAJ has confirmed it is facing a “number” of redundancies following a widespread restructuring programme across several trade associations. The proposed plan was confirmed by the NAJ following the publication of a statement from the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) interim CEO, which was sent to all federation and…

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