Just 13.8% of retail rent collected on June quarter day

Landlords received just 13.8% of rent owed by the UK retailers on this quarter’s rent date, compared with the 19.8% collected in March, according to new data from Re-Leased. The cloud-based commercial property management platform said retail properties were the “worst performing group” compared with offices and the industrial sector,…

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Should I stay closed or re-open?

Since the start of lockdown, most owner managers have become used to real-time contingency planning and agile decision making. However, with non-essential shops now allowed to reopen, they have been faced with another high-risk financial decision – should they stay closed or reopen?  Knowing the key areas to consider and…

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Hot Diamonds outlines support for retailers

Hot Diamonds has outlined the ways it will support independent retailers as lockdown begins to ease in the UK.  In order to boost its sell-through when stores reopen, it has launched a temporary 25% discount sale, and will contribute 15% towards lost margin to retailers that participate. The group has…

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The Goldsmiths’ Company addresses diversity

The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced that there is “no place for racism” in its company or charity, and has outlined the ways it will address diversity in the group going forward. It comes as the group said it is “committed to diversity, equity and inclusivity”, as stated in its company…

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Watches of Switzerland partners with Tag Heuer

Watches of Switzerland has announced it has partnered with Tag Heuer to open a new Tag Heuer boutique in Oxford. The 39 square meter site is located in the city’s Westgate Centre, and features a contemporary interior decorated with the colours of the Tag Heuer brand. The boutique will feature…

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UK footfall jumps 45% during first week of retail trading

Footfall across all UK retail destinations rose by 45% during the first week of non-essential retail reopening (15 June) compared with the previous week, according to new data from Springboard. The retail insights firm said the clearest indication of the impact of non-essential retail reopening is evident from the uplifts…

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BAJ launches competition in aid of NHS Charities Together

The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) has announced the launch of its Pins of Praise design competition in support of NHS and frontline staff amid the ongoing pandemic.  The competition is open to both BAJ students and the public, and asks participants to design a brooch pin that can be…

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Rock Lobster permanently shuts bricks-and-mortar store

Rock Lobster has announced it will no longer reopen its bricks-and-mortar shop due to “circumstances surrounding the property”. The Worcester-based jewellers said that its landlords now have plans to develop the shop into residential apartments, and in light of the ongoing Covid-19 disruption, it has decided to not move to…

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Usdaw urges retailers to maintain existing two-metre social distancing in stores

Shopworkers trade union Usdaw is urging retailers to maintain social distancing in shops at two metres, as agreed in joint safety guidance, after Boris Johnson announced a “one metre plus” rule for situations where two metre distancing cannot be observed. In a speech in parliament yesterday (23 June), the PM…

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Coronavirus: The jewellery industry’s story

At the time of writing, the UK’s embattled high street has been given a glimmer of hope, after prime minister Boris Johnson announced plans on 25 May to allow non-essential retailers to open by mid-June. The announcement will be welcome news for many jewellers who have struggled over the past…

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