Retailers missing the mark on customers’ delivery expectations

Online retailers are providing unwanted delivery options and failing to offer wanted ones, according to new research from software company OrderDynamics and Opinion Matters.  The report, entitled ‘The mismatch of retailer services and consumer expectations’, surveyed 2,000 consumers and over 60 retailers and found more than half of online shoppers…

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Over 75% of RJC members are now certified

RJC has announced over 75% of its members have now achieved Certified Member status under the RJC Code of Practice (COP).  This means that more than 400 of the total 532 members are now certified, with the remaining members working towards their two-year deadline following joining RJC. These certified members…

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Rio Tinto rejects Glencore approach rumour

Following press speculation that it was to be merged with fellow mining company Glencore, Rio Tinto has issued a statement stating that no discussions are taking place.  It confirmed that Glencore had made an approach regarding a potential merger of in July this year. It is believed that the deal…

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Jeweller lights £1m diamond above London’s Holland Park

Diamond jeweller Denis Bellessort, founder of Bonds of Union, flew and lit a £1m diamond above London’s Holland Park to celebrate his new collection.  The stunt was to celebrate the launch of Bonds of Union new 18ct gold diamond line, ‘Diamonds’. In a statement from the company it said that…

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Agatha Christie’s lost jewels exceed Bonhams estimate by over £36,000

Two pieces of jewellery that belonged to mystery writer Agatha Christie have surpassed their pre sale estimates at a Bonhams auction by £36,375.  The auction which took place October 8 saw Christie’s diamond brooch, estimated between £6,000 and £8,000, sell for £27,500. The second piece, a three-stone diamond engagement ring,…

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Jorg Gray to be sold in Debenhams

American watch brand Jorg Gray has announced that it will be stocked in Debenhams flagship store in London’s Oxford Street and via its website from mid-October.  According to the brand’s UK supplier, Stormbrand, Debenhams will stock 21 different Jorg Gray models featuring a mix of men’s and ladies watches. Claire…

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Richard Hill leaves Bering in UK restructuring

Danish watch and jewellery brand Bering has parted ways with UK country manager Richard Hill as part of a restructure of its UK business. Hill had been in post for less than a year.  Bering area sales manager, Ian Latham, will provisionally take over Hill’s duties, and Lars Skjønnemann, co-founder…

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Shop prices remains deflationary for 17th month: BRC

Overall shop prices reported deflation for the seventeenth consecutive month, accelerating to 1.8% in September from 1.6% in August.  This is according to the BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index in which non-food industries (including clothing and footwear) reported acceleration in deflation of 3.2% in September from 2.9% in August. Helen Dickinson,…

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Precious metal prices fall to lowest in 15 months

The gold price fell to its lowest level for 15 months on October 6 after improved US employment figures boosted the dollar, according to Reuters.  The price of gold, which influences the price of other precious metals, hit its lowest level since June 2013, at $1,183 (£735) an ounce. Platinum…

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Cleaning up the pawnbroker’s image

There’s no denying that the pawnbroking industry carries a stigma. For many, it conjures the image of individuals or families facing desperate time – pawning jewellery to make ends meet would be regarded by most as a last resort. It is no coincidence that pawnbrokers do not have pride of place…

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