UK online sales surge by more than 100% in May

UK online sales surged by 103% in the four weeks ended 16 May, according to new data from Nielsen. The consumer insights firm said this was a significant increase compared with the 6.6% sales growth in bricks-and-mortar stores, with online share of sales now accounting for 13% of all grocery…

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Crafts Council publishes first industry report

The Crafts Council, alongside support from the Goldsmiths’ Company, has published the first major report that identifies the strength and popularity of the craft industry in Britain.  Its findings will work to help drive market demand and “inform an action plan for the economic recovery of the craft sector, post…

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The Cut notes ‘marked increase’ in engagement ring enquiries

The Cut London has revealed a marked increase in enquiries for engagement rings in the past eight weeks, noting an “interesting wave of sentimentality created by the pandemic”. The engagement ring concierge service is known for “match-making” customers looking for an engagement ring with independent fine jewellers throughout London.  Founder…

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RJC marks 15 years welcoming new members at 2020 AGM

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has marked its 15-year milestone strengthening consumer confidence for the global jewellery industry at its virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM). The world’s leading standard setting organisation for the entire jewellery and watch supply chain celebrated its 15-year anniversary by launching a new website, and publishing…

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Non-essential retailers set to open in June

Thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are “Covid-19 secure” and can show customers will be kept safe, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said. All non-essential retailers including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics,…

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‘Many independent retailers are ready to reopen now’, says Bira CEO

The CEO of The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) Andrew Goodacre has said many independent retailers are ready to reopen now, having already worked hard to put measures in place to keep both customers and staff safe. The news comes as non-essential retailers will be allowed to reopen from Monday,…

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BAJ opens applications for September 2020

The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) has announced that applications are now open for courses due to start in September 2020.  BAJ offers a variety of exciting programmes providing world-class training in all aspects of jewellery design and manufacturing.  The Jewellery Fundamentals SQA Level 3 Diploma allows students to build…

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Bracelets Together initiative launched

Alison Hargreaves has announced the launch of a new non-profit range of bracelets to raise £25,000 for NHS Charities Together. The Midhaven co-director Midhaven launched the Bracelets Together initiative to enable funds to be raised for the Covid-19 Urgent Appeal campaign, and more than £2,000 has already been raised in…

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Consumer confidence drops further in May

GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index has decreased by one point to -34 for May, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. The measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months has dropped seven points to -55, 25 points lower than in May 2019. Additionally, expectations for…

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Retail sees record slump in April

Retail sales slumped by a record 18.1% in April, according to the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).  This marked the worst decline since ONS records began in 1988, and closely follows the “strong” monthly decline of 5.2% that was recorded in March. All sectors across retail…

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