If you're reading this then thanks for joining us.
This is the first seasonal blog post we've decided to write and we hope you enjoy the insight into what is happening in our family business.
Wow, what a project this has been.
In July we collected the keys for the new Whitley Bay store. Weeks went by as we peeled back the layers of 60 years history trading as a high-street jeweller. Once we got the building back to bare brick, the real work began.
Matt has been at the forefront of the project, working tirelessly for 12 hours a day, most days since July with very little comforts. We’ve only just reinstated the running water and toilet which has made things a little more tolerable.
He's had a great deal of help from two people - Andrew Flatman and David Potts who both come with decades of experience in their craft. They've both helped elevate the standard of finish we're achieving and brought the build along a bit quicker too.
The build has not come without casualties. Matt had a table saw blade touch the blade guard which sent shards of metal in to his face. And no, he didn't have face protection! I might have accidentally cut four grooves in our brand new flooring as well. It wasn't me, it was the hand sander.
With such a wealth of history, we’ve uncovered a number of original features. There were some beautiful wooden columns which are pictured below. Unfortunately they had succumbed to water damage. They painfully went in the skip. However, came across some original lead glass windows which were hidden behind a layer of the shop front. We’ve actually managed to restore both panels and we're including them in the new design.
We’ve used as many local companies as we can to supply fixtures, fittings, food and expertise. We will list these at some once we’ve finished and the store is open as we’ve worked with some fantastic people.
The shop is due to open at some point toward the end of November or beginning of December. I think we’re a little scared to commit to a date in case things get delayed but nevertheless it'll look fantastic once it's finished and we can't wait to show you.
Next on the agenda was our brochure.
Our brochure got a quick update this September as we wanted to incorporate some anniversary jewellery and additional pictures in order to showcase our jewellery. The brochures can be found in each of our stores. They will offer you a list of what services we offer as well as pictures of beautiful jewellery we’ve made.
On the final page of each brochure is a list of all the birthstones and wedding anniversary gifts, so they're worth keeping just for that!
Pick one up when you’re next in; they’re also good to leave around the house if you’re wanting to drop hints!
Our business has always stuck to its traditional roots and shied away from social media and websites.
This year we’ve turned over a new leaf and dedicated time to our social media channels. We've also built a brand new e-commerce website through Shopify. The website has offered us a fantastic opportunity to show you the diversity of our business and the products and services we offer.
The website will continue to be updated daily for the foreseeable future, so keep a look out for new product and new areas to explore.
Every year we offer our clients an opportunity to take advantage of our Christmas Club.
Christmas always comes with its own pressures, so we like to offer our customers a bit of flexibility when it comes to paying for the perfect gift.
To take advantage of this just pop in to the store, pick your item and ask to pay a deposit and we'll reserve it for you until Christmas. Pay on your terms – either pay bits here or there or simply pay the balance on collection, it’s up to you!
In addition, we also offer Klana to help you spread the cost and we also offer longer term 0% finance* on selected product in store.
*The approval of your application depends on your financial circumstances and borrowing history. For full terms and conditions please speak to a member of the team in store.
