West Midlands
The West Midlands is a dynamic region for the UK jewellery trade, home to a blend of independent jewellers, manufacturing hubs, and suppliers. With strong local craftsmanship traditions and a growing base of retail innovation, it serves as a key commercial and creative centre outside London. Jewellery Focus covers the West Midlands jewellery scene—including store openings, regional trade events, case studies of standout businesses, and market trends unique to the area. Our reporting helps trade professionals understand regional nuances, network opportunities, and how this industrial heartland contributes to the broader UK jewellery economy.
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Jun- 2025 -4 JuneTrade Organisations
Birmingham awarded World Craft City status
Birmingham has officially been recognised as a World Craft City, making it one of just eight in Europe to receive the designation from the World Crafts Council. Led by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) and co-applicants Birmingham City University, a bid for World Craft City status was supported by…
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Apr- 2024 -16 AprilRetailers
Swarovski to open new standalone boutique in Merry Hill
Luxury brand Swarovski has announced its return to West Midlands destination Merry Hill with the launch of a standalone boutique in spring. The new store, spanning 2150 sq ft between Goldsmiths and Beaverbrooks on the Upper Mall, will feature the retailer’s latest shop fit, with metallic finishes and fluted glass…
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Mar- 2024 -26 MarchEconomy
Bumper Easter week to boost footfall by +6.6%
Footfall is forecast to rise by +6.6% across all UK retail destinations over the week of Easter, according to MRI Software. MRI said it anticipates that shoppers will “flock” to retail parks this week to stock up on Easter essentials ahead of the weekend with the latter part of the…
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Jan- 2024 -3 JanuaryRetailers
JQ Diamonds selected for Faberge West Midlands debut
JQ Diamonds has been chosen as the only West Midlands stockist for Fabergé as it celebrates its 180-year anniversary with a capsule collection. This collection comprises the Colours of Love rose gold diamond and ruby fluted ‘180’ egg pendant, as well as the 180 limited-edition rose gold and ruby mini…
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Sep- 2023 -18 SeptemberRetailers
Beaverbrooks reports ‘record’ turnover of £225m
National family-owned jewellery, diamond and watch retailer, Beaverbrooks, has announced “record” turnover of £225m in its latest accounts (March 2022 to February 2023), an increase of 11.4% on the previous year. Its operating profit also amounted to £25.7m. Beaverbrooks said that despite the effects of the cost-of-living crisis and uncertain…
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Jan- 2023 -27 JanuaryRetailers
Vacancy rates improve to 13.8% in Q4
The overall vacancy rate improved to 13.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022, which was 0.1 percentage points better than Q3 and 0.6 percentage points better than the same period last year, according to the latest BRC/LDC monitor. This was the fifth consecutive quarter of falling vacancy rates. All locations…
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Nov- 2022 -29 NovemberNews
Birmingham Assay Office teams up with Aston University for KTP
Aston University has teamed up with hallmarking specialists Birmingham Assay Office (BAO) through a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) aimed at developing a sophisticated intelligent business system. The system will aim to improve operational efficiency and increase BAO’s competitiveness, leading to significant improvements in customer experience. A KTP is a three-way…
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Oct- 2022 -28 OctoberRetailers
Store vacancy rate falls but remains below pre-pandemic levels
In the third quarter of 2022, the overall GB vacancy rate decreased to 13.9%, a 0.1% rise from Q2 and 0.6% better than the same period last year, according to the latest monitor from the BRC and Local Data Company. This was the fourth consecutive quarter of falling vacancy rates.…
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28 OctoberRetailers
Beaverbrooks unveils £1.8m refurb at Merry Hill
Beaverbrooks has invested £1.8m into its Merry Hill store in the West Midlands, including an “extensive” refit and the introduction of a new luxury boutique. The existing Beaverbrooks store has undergone a refurbishment to create a more immersive shopping experience and showcase the retailer’s jewellery and watch expertise to customers.…
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Aug- 2022 -30 AugustRetailers
Store closures drop to lowest rate in seven years
Store closures have stabilised to the lowest rate in over seven years, with 6,146 store closures in H1 2022 (-30%) year-on-year from multiple retail operators, compared to 3,888 openings (+11%). According to PwC’s latest Store Openings and Closures report for H1 2022, there were 34 closures, 21 openings, and a…
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