Britain’s biggest jewellery and watch retail groups have set aside their usual competitive instincts to collectively announce they will be closing next Monday, the day of the Queen’s State Funeral.
Watches of Switzerland Group, Beaverbrooks and Signet Jewelers have jointly issued a statement that all showrooms will close on September 19 as a mark of respect to the Royal Family and so that colleagues can observe the State Funeral.
“We just felt that, given the circumstances, it would be good to have a consistent approach,” says Craig Bolton, Watches of Switzerland Group’s president for the UK and Europe.
The joint position means scores of stores will be closed. Between the groups, they operate Goldsmiths, Ernest Jones, H. Samuel, Watches of Switzerland, Beaverbrooks and Watches of Switzerland showrooms along with branded boutiques for watchmakers including Rolex, Omega, Breitling and Tudor.
The coordination between the country’s largest multiples matches the decisions of other multiples and major independent jewellers.
Berry’s Jewellers, which has nine showrooms across the Midlands and North of England, has also said it will close its headquarters and all stores.
Laing’s will close all stores in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff and Southampton.
Pragnell, with locations in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Leicester and London, closed for the day last Friday as a mark of respect, will be appropriately dressed during the mourning period, have paused all communications where possible, and will be closed on the day of Her Majesty’s funeral.
Michael Spiers in the Southwest of England says it will be closing all stores on Monday as a sign deep respect for Her Majesty the Queen.
Fraser Hart will close all of its 27 stores nationwide and Chisholm Hunter has taken the same decision for its 28 locations.
ROX has also confirmed it will close all shops for the State Funeral.
Editor’s note: This story will be updated as news from other retailers is received.
