Day: 2 October 2026

Pandora has officially opened a state-of-the-art jewellery facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, backed by a $150 million investment. This facility, the company’s first outside Thailand, is set to significantly boost production capabilities, enabling the creation of up to 60 million pieces annually and increasing manufacturing capacity by 50%. The strategic move diversifies Pandora’s manufacturing footprint, reflecting its commitment to growth in the competitive Asian market.

In a thought-provoking discussion featured in the latest episode of Talking Shop, Scott Erickson, Vice President of Sales at HappyOrNot, delves into the evolving landscape of retail customer experience. Highlighting insights from the Q2 2026 Retail CX Pulse report, Erickson challenges traditional customer satisfaction measurement methods and underscores the importance of real-time, point-of-experience feedback. As businesses strive to improve customer engagement, his insights offer a timely reminder of the need for adaptation in an ever-changing retail environment.

In the latest episode of Talking Shop, Scott Erickson, VP of Sales at HappyOrNot, emphasizes a transformative approach to retail customer satisfaction metrics. Drawing on the Q2 2026 Retail CX Pulse report, he advocates for a shift from traditional measures to point-of-experience micro-feedback, capturing real-time insights from customers globally. Erickson’s analysis challenges the status quo, urging retailers to rethink how they assess and enhance customer experiences in an evolving market.

Watches of Switzerland Group (WoSG) is making a notable pivot in the luxury retail landscape by enhancing the synergy between its watch and jewellery offerings. With luxury timepieces constituting 82% of its revenue, the company’s recent launch of a dual retail concept—combining Watches of Switzerland and Mayors stores—signals a strategic shift towards boosting jewellery sales, currently at 13%. This innovative approach aims to attract a more diverse customer base, particularly women, which may invigorate growth in both jewellery and women’s watches amidst a challenging luxury market. As WoSG continues to evolve its strategy, the implications for the future of luxury retail are becoming increasingly significant.

Retailers in the UK are facing a mounting tax burden that is jeopardising jobs and stalling investment in the sector, according to a report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Analysis reveals that businesses contributed a staggering £39.1 billion in taxes during the last fiscal year, with retail employment seeing a significant decline of 122,000 jobs between 2024 and 2026. The BRC highlights the urgent need for tax reforms, as one in seven high street properties now stands vacant, reflecting the pressing challenges faced by traditional retailers. With the Budget on the horizon, calls for a reassessment of the current business rates system are intensifying, as industry leaders warn of the dire consequences of inaction.

A new dual-branded showroom has officially opened in Marlton, New Jersey, marking the first Mayors Jewelers location beyond Florida and Georgia. The 4,505 square-foot space at The Promenade at Sagemore features separate entrances for each brand, offering an extensive selection of luxury watches and high-end jewelry. This strategic expansion by the Watches of Switzerland Group underscores its commitment to retail growth in the U.S., blending the rich heritage of Mayors Jewelers with a premium shopping experience.

Phillips has unveiled its highest-value online watch auction to date, featuring nearly 90 lots, with bidding running until October 9. The auction’s standout item is the Voutilainen 28Sport Limited Edition, anticipated to fetch between $120,000 and $240,000. Other highlights include coveted models from Patek Philippe and Rolex. Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman of Phillips, noted the “extraordinary momentum” in the watch auction market, drawing attention to the blend of independent innovation and renowned craftsmanship that characterizes this exceptional sale.

London Watch Week is set to return on 18 November at the historic Royal Exchange, featuring a new one-day event dedicated to luxury watch brands. Curated to enhance the festive atmosphere of the Square Mile’s Christmas celebrations, the event will showcase prominent watchmakers and designers, connecting enthusiasts with industry experts. Brands such as Bremont and Christopher Ward will take part, with more names to be announced. Attendees can expect a unique experience that blends exquisite craftsmanship with seasonal cheer.