Popular jewellery chain launches huge closing down sale as it prepares to shut in days after 154 years
A POPULAR jewellery chain has launched a huge closing down sale as it prepares to shut up shop in days.
The high street jeweller has been serving customers for 154 years, making history as one of the UK’s first Rolex retailers.
G Hewitt & Son jewellers announced the once-in-a-lifetime sale in a post on Facebook, writing: “Everything must go – don’t miss out on huge savings!
“We are currently closed as we prepare for the biggest sale in our 154-year history.
“Sale continues while stock lasts. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of our legacy.”
The final farewell sale begins at 10am on Saturday, April 26 at the jeweller’s iconic Victoria Street store in Grimsby.
Shoppers will be able to get their hands on reduced goods with a dazzling 50% off all jewellery and up to 30% off watches.
G Hewitt & Son jewellers announced it would be shutting its doors for good in April.
This came after Jonathan Hewitt – the great-grandson of G. Hewitt & Son founder George Hewitt – made the difficult decision to retire.
Hewitt said: “We’ve had an astonishing run, 154 years is not a bad innings, is it? We were one of the first Rolex retailers in the UK, with our records showing Rolex sales as early as 1919.
“Fast forward to 2011 and G. Hewitt & Son briefly enjoyed one of the largest Rolex showrooms in the country.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to be part of, and also such an integral piece of Grimsby’s High Street history, but it is the right time for us to close the doors, knowing we are going out on a high.”
Jonathan first stepped behind the counter aged just 16 – and in true family tradition, his daughter Christina later joined him as Head of Operations, making them the fifth generation to serve up sparkle and timeless treasures to the people of Grimsby.
Jonathan’s great-grandad, George Hewitt, kicked things off way back in 1871 – a local farmer with a knack for clocks and pocket watches who set up shop at 80 Victoria Street.
So respected was George, it’s even rumoured he rubbed shoulders with Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf himself.
In fact, Jonathan still owns two vintage Rolex watches from 1919 and 1933 – both stamped with the prestigious Rolex and G. Hewitt & Son names.
Fast forward to 1939, the eve of WWII, and the store shifted to swankier digs at 10 Victoria Street.
While two of Jonathan’s uncles signed up to serve – one in the RAF, the other in the Royal Marines – it was his dad Arthur, the youngest, who stayed behind to run the shop alongside his mum.
Jonathan added: “We’ve been fortunate to have an amazing team that’s played a crucial role in our success over the years.
“Several members of our current team of six have been with this family business for decades, and they’ve truly become family to us.
“Our store manager, Peter Booker FGA, has been with us for almost 40 years and is a qualified Gemologist, a Fellow of the Gemmological Society.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible team, both past and present, as well as to our loyal customers who have made it a joy to serve over the years.”
A number of high street chains do appear to be struggling financially and have closed locations.
The Watches of Switzerland Group – based in Leicestershire – has confirmed it will close 16 showrooms across the country and that 40 people were expected to leave the business.
Similarly, Terence Lett Jewellers, located on the high street in Witney, Oxfordshire, has announced its decision to shut up shop.
And loyal customers of Jane Allen Jewellers in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales were left distraught to hear the update and have been mourning the imminent loss.