PIXETJEWELRY

Footfall levels remain 23% below pre-pandemic levels in February 2022 as rising costs are reportedly set to “batter” retailers from 1 April, according to RSM. The latest data from Datscha, analysed by RSM, shows the overall decline in footfall is the worst in London with numbers on Oxford Street down 46%.  “Key” shopping streets in major Northern cities are also suffering, with footfall on Manchester’s Market Street down 38%, Newcastle’s Northumberland Street down 37%, and Buchanan Street in Glasgow down 25%. RSM said that restrictions on international travel and testing requirements, which have now been scrapped, deterred tourists from visiting the UK, and consequently “hampered” footfall levels, particularly in cities like London.  In addition, the storms experienced in February, concerns about the rising cost of living, and a post-pandemic “behavioural shift” to online shopping have all contributed to the reduced footfall. However, Guildford, Leeds and Brighton have s...

Pandora has announced it is ending its 12-year membership with the trade association Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) after its “failure to suspend Russian companies’ memberships and responsible business certifications and urge its members to suspend business with Russia”. It comes after Pandora had previously requested that RJC take such actions. On February 24, Pandora suspended all business with Russia and Belarus. Pandora has also instructed all its suppliers and business partners that no raw materials, products or services supplied to Pandora can come directly or indirectly from Russia or Belarus. CEO Alexander Lacik said.“We are shocked and saddened by the unprovoked attack on Ukraine, and our thoughts go to the people of Ukraine, who are victims of this senseless act of military aggression. “The war requires all businesses to act with the utmost responsibility regarding any interactions or business dealings with Russia and Belarus. Pandora cannot in good faith be a member...

Lily Arkwright, the ethical and sustainable lab grown engagement ring retailer has reported it has experienced “strong” demand for ethical jewellery and its lab diamond engagement ring collections in the face of slowing UK online retail sales in February 2022. The company said it is mindful of supply chain issues and inflation pressures which have recently been exacerbated by the rise in precious metal pricing. However, Lily Arkwright has reportedly been able to mitigate any price rises for customers at this time. The retailer specialises in sustainable jewellery including moissanite, lab diamonds and coloured precious gemstones. Lily Arkwright said it continues to believe a “strong demographic change is underway” where consumers put more emphasis on ethical jewellery with “key” sustainability metrics. Philip Dawson, managing director for Lily Arkwright, said: “Retail sales continue strongly and above ONS benchmark figures released today. Particularly in comparison to online retai...

London-based luxury jewellery and accessories brand Stephen Einhorn and Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape have combined to launch two new products. The products include an exclusive A Bathing Ape ring and Fire Garden interactive night light. With an enamelled BAPE logo, the Stephen Einhorn x A Bathing Ape ring nods to the “original aesthetic of the 90s design” but is now enhanced with a more ergonomic shape and heavy weight. Each and every ring is handmade in Stephen Einhorn’s London workshop, utilises sustainable methods, and will be available as part of a limited edition run, in Japan, Hong Kong, USA and the UK. Founder Stephen Einhorn said: “We are really excited to be collaborating with A Bathing Ape again – they are a very cool and interesting brand” source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/204431-stephen-einhorn-and-a-bathing-ape-announce-collaboration

Unique and Co has expanded its semi-precious stones collection after its “successful” launch in the last few years. The collection will comprise further product styles and new designs feature pieces, such as carving on Mother-of-Pearl and pave cz setting. With a mix of Mother-of-Pearl, Malachite, Amazonite, Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise, the new earring and necklace styles “inject a subtle use of colour” into the main range. The colours of the stones, all chosen for their wear ability, combine with silver or 18kt yellow and rose gold plating to create styles that can be worn as everyday pieces. Unique and Co said: “Craftsmanship is a key focus to the design ethos at Unique and Co and the new semi-precious range are crafted with the same wonderful attention to detail and design ethos.” source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/204428-unique-co-expands-semi-precious-collection

The second anniversary of the start of the first lockdown in 2020 delivered positive results, with a rise in footfall of +7.8% last week from the week before across all UK retail destinations, according to retail experts Springboard. It found increases in all three destination types; +9.8% in high streets, +5.8% in retail parks and +5.5% in shopping centres. While footfall last week was -15.7% below the same week in 2019 – a slight widening of the gap from the week before last when it was -15% below 2019 – it was more than double the level last year when still in lockdown, demonstrating a “growing recovery”. Footfall rose on every day with the most significant rises on Wednesday (a response to noticeable drops on the previous Wednesday) and Saturday, when Springboard said it is “likely that some trips will have been prompted by Mother’s Day on Sunday”. The greatest rise occurred in coastal towns (+16.6%) as the weather improved, but Greater London and market towns also performed st...

ChloBo has announced the promotion of Andi Lee from his role as a sales and marketing director to the jeweller’s new managing director. Having joined ChloBo in 2016, Lee has most recently taken on responsibility for merchandising and will now also take on the operations side of the business. A further leadership shakeup within the business has also been announced to “underpin” its overall service levels.  This includes the promotion of Lauren Owen from stock manager to operations manager and Chelsea Hughes from Customer services manager to partner channels manager. The announcement comes as the company is expecting to finish its financial year ending 31 March “ahead of plan”. Lee said the jeweller’s new retail partners were joining regularly and that many existing partners were seeing “solid growth” in ChloBo sales. Dave Rosalski, chief executive, said: “He has proved his capabilities and commitment and I am delighted to see him continue his progression. He will now be compl...