Category: Industry News

Beaverbrooks has reported a robust turnover of £217 million for the year ending February 28, 2026, marking a 1.1% rise in like-for-like sales despite challenging trading conditions. The family-owned jeweller has demonstrated commendable resilience, maintaining steady revenues amid a tough retail climate. As it looks to the future, Beaverbrooks is set to focus on enhancing customer experience and broadening its product range, underpinning its commitment to quality and service that resonates with consumers seeking reliability in uncertain economic times.

The Leaders in Luxury event recently celebrated Houlden’s 50th anniversary, a milestone marked by rich discussions on the evolving landscape of luxury retail. Established in 1975 by Stuart Laing, Houlden continues to champion independent jewellers through collaboration and innovation. Highlights included the prestigious Houlden Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the community, and the launch of a commemorative book detailing Houlden’s significant history. Managing Director Denise McLaughlin underscored the enduring principles of independence and collaboration that remain central to the organization’s mission as it embarks on the next chapter.

Omega celebrated the 70-year legacy of its iconic Speedmaster at an exhibition in Dubai, showcasing the watch’s evolution from a precision racing chronograph to a symbol of exploration linked with NASA’s lunar missions. The event highlighted significant models that defined the Speedmaster’s journey, culminating in the unveiling of seven new 38mm references. These latest designs emphasize a sporty character while honoring the collection’s heritage, featuring streamlined dials and classic bracelet styles. Omega’s president, Raynald Aeschlimann, noted that the updates draw even closer to the beloved Moonwatch, adding a new chapter to the Speedmaster’s storied history.

Four exceptional Rolex Daytonas, part of the exclusive Four Seasons collection, have been sold for a staggering £37.3 million at a Phillips auction in London. The proceeds will benefit the Federer Foundation and conservation group Re, co-founded by Leonardo DiCaprio. The Summer Daytona led the sale, fetching £10.3 million, while the entire collection showcases unique designs representative of each season. Rolex’s decision to auction rather than privately sell these one-of-a-kind pieces marks a significant moment in the luxury watch market, reflecting a potential shift in the brand’s approach to exclusivity.

The Manchester Watch Show returns on November 7, promising an impressive lineup of over 50 brands at Bridgewater Hall. With last year’s event selling out, demand is expected to be high as watch enthusiasts gather to explore a diverse range of timepieces, from affordable models to luxury Swiss designs. The day’s agenda includes discussions with notable independent watchmakers and insights into the auction market. Tickets are priced at £12, with discounts for students and free entry for children and carers.

In a recent episode of Talking Shop, Scott Erickson from HappyOrNot sheds light on the evolving landscape of customer satisfaction. By utilizing real-time micro-feedback in retail environments, HappyOrNot challenges traditional measurement methods, as highlighted in their Q2 2026 Retail CX Pulse report. Erickson advocates for a more nuanced approach to customer experience, aiming to enhance retail interactions through immediate insights.

UK watch and jewellery retailers face a concerning surge in armed robberies, with 38 raids reported this year, leading to losses exceeding £4 million. In response to this alarming trend, UK Protection is expanding its RAID training programme to equip a wider range of retail staff with vital security skills as the busy Christmas season approaches. The training focuses on enhancing situational awareness and incident management to combat the rising threat of organized crime. With the majority of incidents linked to weapons, retailers are urged to adopt a proactive security stance to safeguard both employees and customers.

Chronext has unveiled a new payment protection system in partnership with Nuvei, designed to enhance security in high-value watch transactions. The innovative payment flow secures funds within a regulated environment until all transaction conditions are fulfilled, boosting buyer confidence and ensuring that sellers are guaranteed payment. This development promises improved oversight and management of payment processes, as Chronext aims to foster trust in the secondary market for luxury watches. CEO Constantin Schneider emphasized the significance of this partnership in delivering a premium experience for users.

Beaverbrooks has reported a significant £5 million boost from loss of profit insurance, pushing its operating profit to £12.8 million for the year ending February 2026, an 86% rise year-on-year. Despite flat sales at £217 million and a reduction in workforce from 1,171 to 1,117, the company remains committed to its charitable initiatives, donating £1.54 million, bringing total contributions to £26.6 million since 2000. Managing Director Anna Blackburn emphasized the firm’s resilience and strategic investments in enhancing customer service, reflecting a strong commitment to high street retail amid economic challenges.

Beaverbrooks has reported a 9% drop in underlying profit to £7.8 million, attributed to rising costs from National Insurance and the increased National Living Wage. The family-run jeweller is expanding its exclusive watch partnerships, with new offerings from Tag Heuer and Breitling, while investing in significant store refurbishments and a new head office. Chairman Mark Adlestone highlights the company’s commitment to charity, having donated £26.6 million since 2000, while managing director Anna Blackburn expresses optimism for future resilience amid challenging market conditions, underscoring the importance of customer service and strategic investment.