The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) has announced Grace & Co as the latest member to join the buying group.
The retailer, which stocks watch brands including Bering, Ice-Watch and Hugo Boss, joined the CMJ to help develop its presence in the UK industry. Grace & Co director Mick McQuillan said: "There are many reasons why we applied to join the CMJ. Apart from the obvious financial benefits, we are relatively new to retail and appreciated the opportunity to watch and learn from more established businesses. In addition we believe being a member will benefit our long-term ambition to establish a market for higher price point product."
McQuillan and his partner Lorna McQuillan have also worked as agents and distributors to the retail jewellery industry for the past 12 years for brands including Nomination, Pandora, Kit Heath and Kranz & Ziegler.
They opened their first retail store in February 2010 with the aim of providing the latest contemporary jewellery brands in small- to medium-sized provincial towns. They now operate stores in Ashby de la Zouch, Corby and South Molton, and most recently opened a store in Hinckley. They are also scheduled to open their first Pandora concept store on November 1.
As part of its move to the CMJ, Grace & Co also hopes to develop a second phase of business, adding more traditional higher price point jewellery to its offer, as well as engagement and wedding rings.
