Watches of Switzerland and Tag Heuer open Kingston boutique

Watches of Switzerland and Tag Heuer have announced the launch of their second collaborative boutique, which has opened its doors in the centre of Kingston.  The new site will feature over 150 timepieces, including Tag Heuer’s newest launches, such as the TAG Heuer Connected watch, as well as its heritage…

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Increased road closures ‘detrimental’ to high street trade, says Bira

Increasing numbers of road closures are a further barrier for shoppers to return to the high street, says the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). Bira is raising concerns after members in coastal resorts highlighted the problem when roads were closed as “tourists flocked to beaches during lockdown last week”. Andrew…

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High street retailers ‘urgently’ need government recovery plan, says Usdaw

Shopworkers union Usdaw has urged the government to agree with employers and trade unions a recovery plan for the high street as “thousands of further job losses are announced”. The union said the scale of job losses across the retail industry is “accelerating” as the high street continues to struggle…

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Reservoir Watches appoints new brand director

Reservoir Watches has announced the appointment of Alan Stone-Wigg as brand director UK and international consultant for the group. The Swiss Made precision instruments inspired watch brand was founded in 2017, and has seen “significant growth” in the last three years, currently trading across  65 points of sale in over…

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Jewel sells for world record price in an online auction

Christie’s has announced that its 28.86 carat, D colour diamond was the highest valued lot ever offered in a Christie’s online sale.  The stone was estimated at $1m (£806k) to $2m (£1.6m), and received bids immediately upon the sale going live on 16 June. After a “fierce competition” of 31…

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Ellington Timepiece Laurence Brannigan as non-executive director

Watch company Ellington Timepiece has announced the appointment of Laurence Brannigan as non-executive director. Brannigan brings decades’ worth of experience in the brand management market to the team, spearheading the product launch, brand development and growth of global leaders, including Hugo Boss, Scuderia Ferrari, Movado, EBEL and Skagen Designs. Founded…

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Usdaw calls on government to consider new deal for retail workers

Retail trade union Usdaw is marking 100 days of lockdown by calling for a new deal for workers, after the coronavirus emergency has shown that “millions of low-paid” and “undervalued workers” have “stepped up in the most difficult of circumstances”. Usdaw said workers in retail, manufacturing, distribution and home delivery…

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Pearl farmers and the climate change fight

As shelter-in-place orders are lifted and clothing, jewellery and other fashion industry companies cautiously head back to work, experts predict the Covid-19 pandemic will convince industry leaders to join the fight on climate change. One CEO hopes a global drop in CO₂ emissions along with the inspiring story of ocean-loving…

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Government confirms changes to ‘flexible’ furlough scheme

The UK government has confirmed the latest set of changes to its “flexible” furlough scheme – dubbed CJRS V2 – ahead of its launch of the 1 July. HM Revenue and Customs has set out the new guidance as the current version of the Coronavirus Job retention Scheme (CJRS) ends…

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Wolf & Gypsy to launch new collection

Ethical jewellery brand, Wolf and Gypsy, is set to unveil its new collection on 4 July, following a period of “rapid growth” over the last few months.  Wolf and Gypsy creates its pieces using recycled sterling silver, gold vermeil, as well as ethically sourced conflict-free gemstones. Every piece is manufactured…

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