‘Gorgeous' jewellery brand loved by celebs including GBBO's Prue Leith announces sudden closure as it launches huge sale
A "GORGEOUS" jewellery brand loved by celebs including Prue Leith has announced its sudden closure as it launches a huge sale.
The independent store and home of hand-crafted colourful costume jewellery, offered sterling silver items, freshwater pearls, and a range of accessories.
4
4
4
Having been a colourful feature of Kings Heath in Birmingham for over 15 years, The Jewellery Stop has come to the "heartfelt" decision to close down.
Its goods have been worn and loved by many a celeb including The Great British Bake Off 's Dame Prue Leith and TV broadcaster Clare Balding.
The broadcaster even has her own online section known as "Clare Balding style".
She has been spotted wearing the store's colourful jewellery design s on TV many times including during the Olympics, the Paralympics, Wimbledon and most recently Crufts 2025.
But sadly, a Facebook post revealed the shop's decision to close.
The post read: "Dear loyal customers of Kings Heath and beyond, here at The Jewellery Stop on Poplar Road we have made the difficult and heartfelt decision to close our shop on Friday, May 2.
"We have 30 per cent off selected items including KEW gardens soaps and hand creams, greeting cards and selected jewellery. Do come and see us in store during our last few days!
However, the spokesperson added "we are not going far" and revealed the business will move online.
They said: "Our click and collect service will still be available to our loyal customers and we will continue to dress our shop windows with colourful and inspiring products form our online range.
"We are making this change in order to create a dynamic and inspiring office space to continue to grow our online business and evolve with changing shopping trends.
"We appreciate this adjustment to online only may not suit everybody and we hope to be able to offer an alternative shopping experience further down the line.
"Please follow our Facebook page for updates or check posters in our shop windows.
"We are so grateful to everyone who has shopped with us over the years, thank you for being part of our journey."
With quality jewellery came quality reviews and this shop has earned its fair share.
One person shared to Google Reviews: "Absolutely beautiful pieces, I have bought 2 of the star necklaces from this lovely shop in the past and I always get compliments when I wear them!
"Would love if there were more of this design available in different colours because I absolutely love them!
"Planning to visit the shop when I can because it would be lovely to see these gorgeous pieces in person and meet the lovely people behind the shop!"
Why are retailers closing stores?
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
However, additional costs have added further pain to an already struggling sector.
The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs from April will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.
At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40.
The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.
It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year.
Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025."
It comes after almost 170,000 retail workers lost their jobs in 2024.
End-of-year figures compiled by the Centre for Retail Research showed the number of job losses spiked amid the collapse of major chains such as Homebase and Ted Baker.
It said its latest analysis showed that a total of 169,395 retail jobs were lost in the 2024 calendar year to date.
This was up 49,990 – an increase of 41.9% – compared with 2023.
It is the highest annual reading since more than 200,000 jobs were lost in 2020 in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced retailers to shut their stores during lockdowns.
The centre said 38 major retailers went into administration in 2024, including household names such as Lloyds Pharmacy, Homebase, The Body Shop, Carpetright and Ted Baker.
Around a third of all retail job losses in 2024, 33% or 55,914 in total, resulted from administrations.
Experts have said small high street shops could face a particularly challenging 2025 because of Budget tax and wage changes.
Professor Bamfield has warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector.
"By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer's household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020."
Followed by a second person: "Absolutely gorgeous jewellery. Every time my friend and I go to a flower show we look out for the stand selling this beautiful jewellery.
"My friend bought a necklace in May and has worn it continously. It hasn't tarnished with wearing and being sprayed with perfume. It looks as good as the day she bought it.
"I have bought earrings and necklaces over the years we have seen the jewellery stand.
"They make beautiful gifts too. We probably won't see you at Chatsworth.
"But we'll definitely see you next year and buy your beautiful jewellery and bring you a coffee."
Just two days ago one person left a review via the store's website.
They said: "Bought a pair of earrings in a local independent shop a while ago.
"I liked them so much, that I went back to see if they had them in different colours.
"They didn't, but gave me the makers, The Jewellery Stop! So now I have three pairs of beautiful coloured leaf earrings."
4
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
an hour ago
- South Wales Guardian
Sweet Williams in Pontardawe wins gift shop of the year
Mrs Emma Doyle runs Sweet Williams on 6-8 Herbert Street in Pontardawe. The shop has 96 reviews on Facebook and a recommendation ratio of 96%, specializing in beautiful handmade gifts. Sweet Williams is located on 6-8 Herbert Street. (Image: Emma Doyle) Mrs Doyle said: 'I am very much proud of our achievement. We have worked so hard. You only need to look at Trustpilot to see how many positive reviews we have. Now, to have recognition for that is fantastic. 'It's quite a big award. It started out as a hobby. We started in 2011 at home and then we got our first shop in 2016. So, we have had a presence on the high street for a number of years. We first had a studio and then we eventually got a shop. Mrs Doyle started her business in 2011. (Image: Emma Doyle) 'The shop became available at the start of COVID, and we have been here ever since. My background before I started this business was in law. I started the business while I was on maternity leave. 'I'm always trying to put Pontardawe on the map. We are a huge champion of shopping local and independent and feel privileged to have a space to do this in Pontardawe. 'This is important because in the last couple of years it's been tough for businesses on the high street. So, to have support from the local community is fantastic.' The store specialises in handmade gifts. (Image: Emma Doyle) Mrs Doyle was informed via email that she was nominated for the award, before a panel of judges looked at her business, including her reviews. She will attend Ashton Gate Football Stadium in Bristol next month to attend an award ceremony and receive the accolade in person. Mrs Doyle continued: 'We have supplied products for the Royal Family and received an award from Theo Paphitis from Dragons Den. But this award has been the icing on the cake. 'We just want to keep building our customer base. We still have so many people coming in who didn't realise we were here. 'We are a family business. My husband chips in, as do my children. My mum and dad also get involved. We even offer sowing workshops." The business creates its own brand of textile products. (Image: Emma Doyle) Sweet Williams is a gift shop consisting of several retail spaces set over 4 floors. The business has recently reopened its basement following a yearlong renovation project, which is now home to Welsh/locally sourced foodie treats and a pre-loved bookshop. On the fourth floor, Sweet Williams creates its own brand of textile products, which are then supplied to over 200 stockists, helping other independent retailers to grow their presence on the local high street.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Home Bargains shoppers 'running' for £100 item reduced to £25
Parents are racing to Home Bargains stores for a 'great' £100 item that's been reduced to £25 Home Bargains has impressed parents by reducing a popular £99.99 item to just £24.99. The discount retailer has knocked £75 off the Munchkin Spring 2-in-1 Bouncer and Rocker that parents say they "need" for young children. Shoppers will need to be quick to find the "bargain" that's gone viral on social media. Facebook page Baby Deals UK spotted the offer in stores back in April, and the product is currently out of stock on Home Bargains' website until stocks are replenished. However, a shopper recently spotted the deal in her local store, so shoppers could try their luck at their nearest branch. Sharing the recommendation for parents on TikTok, @emily_campbellx posted a video highlighting the deal earlier this week. She wrote: "Parents run to Home Bargains." Her caption added: "Such a bargain!! If my little one was younger this would've gone straight into my trolley." The product description for the rocker says: "Keep your little one calm and comfy with the Munchkin Spring 2-in-1 Bouncer & Rocker. Designed to soothe, this versatile bouncer and rocker offers 3 recline positions for ultimate comfort. "With one-step assembly, it's quick and easy to set up. The lightweight design makes it simple to move around, and it even folds flat for easy storage. Plus, the machine washable cover and cooling fabric ensure your baby stays comfortable and clean. Perfect for naptime, playtime, or anytime your little one needs a break!" The 2-in-1 product is clearly popular with shoppers. Replying to @emily_campbellx's video, a shopper revealed there weren't any left in her local store. "I was in today didn't have any," read the message. Emily said: "Ahh there was only one in, I can imagine they'll all sell quite quickly." The Facebook post shared by Baby Deals UK also stirred up lots of interest, with shoppers keen to shop the deal. One response read: "I feel a home bargains trip coming on." Another said: "This is what I want." A third fan replied: "We need to go home bargains." A fourth response said: "Worth looking for your house." Someone else commented: "Had this for both boys and was great." Shoppers can locate their nearest Home Bargains store here. Elsewhere, Amazon offers the Munchkin 2-in-1 Spring Baby Bouncer for £49.41, down from £99.99. John Lewis also has the Munchkin Spring 2-in-1 Bouncer & Rocker for £100. Alternatively, Argos offer the well-reviewed Ingenuity Bouncity Bounce Vibrating Deluxe Baby Bouncer for £35. The product description says: "The plush, removable headrest helps keep newborns comfortable. As they grow and begin to kick those legs, baby can create their own steady bounce. "The removable toy bar with 2 toys entertains, while the soothing motion of the vibrating seat helps calm. With an easy-to-clean seat pad and modern fabric design, this bouncy seat will fit right into your home and your family's routine."
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Dadcore' is the latest fashion trend - here's how to nail the aesthetic
The 'dadcore' trend first made an appearance in 2016, but it's really taken off in recent years. With masculine tailoring making a comeback, here's a beginner's guide on how to nail the aesthetic You might be familiar with the whimsical charm of cottagecore, the elegance of balletcore, or the ethereal allure of dreamcore – but brace yourself for a trend that's a bit closer to home: 'dadcore'. Imagine an offshoot of normcore – that easy-going, comfy vibe with plenty of neutral and oversized items – dadcore is all about those basic, no-fuss pieces you'd likely spot in your old man's closet, think jean shorts and roomy jackets. Prime Minister Keir Starmer rocked the trend at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony last year, where he was spotted wearing a Team GB-branded cagoule. Similarly, Zayn Malik tapped into dadcore at New York Fashion Week in September 2024. The former One Direction star donned a bushy beard, long, grown out hair and a brown collared leather jacket. But how do you rock this look without appearing as though you've raided the bargain bin at the local charity shop? With masculine tailoring making a comeback, here's your guide to nailing the trend. READ MORE: Labubu alternatives to add to your shopping haul before they sell out too What is 'dadcore'? Once the epitome of uncool, 'dad' fashion has now become a hot trend. The dadcore style – think functional parkas, bulky trainers, and acid-washed jeans – first made waves in 2016 on Balenciaga's catwalks and by the end of the decade, it had captured the public eye. Its charm may well stem from its embrace of imperfection. Celebrity stylist Oriona Robb says: "I think it has gained momentum through a mix of irony, comfort and a pushback against the hyper-curated and over-styled looks we've seen a lot of. It's that imperfect laidback style instead." This trend is all about deliberately donning those "unfashionable" garments typically linked with middle-aged dads, like drainpipe jeans, polos and loafers. These items – when styled knowingly – become statements of authenticity and effortlessness. "[It's about] simple basics with a sense of humour and deeper sentimentality," says Robb, "and it's thrown together effortlessly." 'A deliberate rejection of recent prim, proper trends' Much like grunge and indie sleaze spoke to the youth of the '90s, dadcore pushes back against polished conformity. It's a deliberate rejection of recent prim, proper trends like 'quiet luxury'. Dadcore is riding the wave of a growing cultural movement. "It's deeply tied to the broader nostalgia wave that's [sweeping] fashion," says Robb, noting the connection with an era craving something solid in swiftly changing times. Highlighting the warming charm behind it, Robb explains: "The dadcore style is supposed to feel familiar and almost an aesthetic version of childhood home videos or Sunday morning routines." With a keen eye for fashion cycles, younger millennials and Gen Z are dressing up in past styles with a fresh perspective. "This trend allows them to play with irony, comfort and storytelling all at once," comments Robb on the trend's unique blend. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! How to nail 'dadcore' Building a dadcore wardrobe doesn't necessitate a massive overhaul. Robb recommends beginning with staples such as chunky classic trainers – think New Balance or Reebok – combined with comfy jeans like relaxed-fit or stonewashed. Essentials of this retro vibe include oversized tees, whether graphic or plain, in washed-out hues, plaid or flannel shirts typically tucked in, and practical outerwear such as anoraks or windbreakers. Robb acknowledges that fully committing to the suburban dad vibe might not suit everyone's taste. "It's a tough one as for those with a love of luxury or classic feminine style, it can feel like the total opposite! But dadcore doesn't mean abandoning your style." You can begin by incorporating a windbreaker or a pair of chunky trainers into an otherwise tailored or contemporary ensemble. "The goal isn't to costume yourself but to reinterpret the aesthetic through your lens," shares Robb. She recommends teaming a slouchy dad jumper with smart trousers or layering a vintage jacket over a more minimalist look. "Let it feel lived-in but considered and stay true to what you like and feel comfortable in."
