Mounting

Independent retailers warn of ‘mounting pressure’ as half consider closure

More than half of the UK’s independent retailers have considered closing their business, according to a new survey from Spring and Autumn Fair and Save The High Street.org. Some 63.4% of respondents cited reduced customer spending and footfall as their greatest challenge, followed by competition from online platforms (57.4%) and…

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Dior unveils the Diorigami collection

Dior has announced the launch of its latest collection Diorigami, inspired by the Diorama and Diorigami fine jewellery pieces unveiled in 2024. The new collection comprises a necklace and earrings with an asymmetrical design, distinguished by its “vibrant, luminous colors, the fineness of its details”, combination of stones, diamonds and…

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Dior unveils the Diorexquis collection

Dior has announced the launch of its Diorexquis Haute Joaillerie collection, inspired by Christian Dior’s legacy. The artistic director of Dior Joaillerie has designed a line, with three themes; enchanting landscapes, delicate bouquets and magical galas and three pieces; a necklace, ring and earrings. Featuring an interplay of volumes and…

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NAJ approved as end point assessment organisation

The National Association of Jewellers has announced that it has been approved as an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). As a result of this the NAJ can now formally assess apprentices who have completed their Level 3 Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Trades. As an approved EPAO, the NAJ must ensure…

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Liz Truss steps down as prime minister

Liz Truss has announced that she is standing as prime minister after a turbulent week for the government, just six weeks after taking up the premiership. The statement of her resignation was made at 13:30pm today (20 October) following a meeting between Truss and Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the…

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Piaget launches chapter two of the Solstice High Jewellery Collection

Piaget has launched the second instalment of its Solstice High Jewellery Collection, following the launch of the first chapter which was inspired by Haute Couture gowns. The collection comprises cocktail rings which include decorations that open to free the centre gem which can then be worn as a solitaire. To…

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Online sales reach 10-year high

British retailers recorded a 10-year high for online sales in May while the continued lockdown measures kept high streets empty, according to new figures by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. According to BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker (HSST), total like-for-like sales, consisting of both in-store and non-store sales, declined…

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Biggest decline in shop prices since 2006

May shop prices tumbled at the fastest rate of decline since 2006, falling by 2.4% against a 1.7% decrease in April.   This was “largely” driven by a sharp fall in non-food prices, which fell “sharply” by 4.6% in the period, compared to a decline of 3.6% the month prior. This…

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Diamond markets begin to regain traction

Diamond trading is once again starting to regain traction, according to the latest data from diamond group Rapaport.  Its latest report revealed that polished prices were stable in May despite “minimal” trading, with business limited to online platforms.  The latest RapNet Diamond Index for 1-carat diamonds also rose 0.2% during…

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Ted Baker hanging by a thread amid £58m balance sheet black hole

If you have shares in Ted Baker, you are probably not having a good morning. The price has tanked by almost 7% after news broke that the fashion brand has found a £58m black hole in its accounts. There’s being a few hundred thousand or a few million short, but…

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