As Government restrictions have plunged England into another lockdown, jewellers and watch retailers across the country have adapted once again to best serve their respective customer bases.
With takeaway services available in hospitality, luxury retail is not to be outdone with many businesses offering a click and collect service from selected stores.
A number of the firms are also offering live, online chat services for customers to discuss and talk through product options with experts via web chat, phone calls and video calls.
Those with showrooms in Northern Ireland, Scotland and other parts of the UK were also keen to highlight how these stores would remain open while ensuring customers that England-based stores would reopen on December 2 if restrictions are lifted as expected.
See the breakdown below:
Click and collect at over 50 stores nationwide. Customers can shop online before 9pm, 7 days a week for free next day delivery. Operating a help and advice online chat service with company experts.
Scottish, Northern Irish and Jersey stores all remain open.
Click and collect at over 50 stores nationwide. Customers can shop online before 9pm, 7 days a week for free next day delivery. Operating a help and advice online chat service with company experts.
Scottish and Guernsey boutiques remain open.
WoS is operating a virtual boutique which allows customers to video chat with experts.
All Fraser Hart stores in England are closed from November 4th at 5.30pm until December 2.
In an Instagram post to its following, the company said: “We would like to sincerely thanks all of our retail teams, who have continued to operate and provide the highest service levels in difficult circumstances, and our customers and supply partners for their continued support and understanding over the coming weeks.
“While our stores will be closed, for now, customers will still be able to shop our full range of products online and we will strive to keep that service as normal as possible.”
It added: “We will continue to provide our home delivery service as normal. Our estimated home delivery time is between 3-5 days. Our customer support team will also be available to deal with any queries on enquiries@fraserhart.com.”
It concluded: “We look forward to re-opening and seeing everyone again as soon as possible and in the meantime, we hope you stay healthy and safe. Wishing you and your family well in these difficult times.”
A note from the F Hinds family reads: “Our hearts and thoughts go out to the people who have been affected by COVID-19 and their families. We want to thank all the healthcare workers and others on the frontline working to contain this virus and to keep us safe.
“In line with the latest advice from the government, we will sadly have to temporarily close all of our stores in England from the end of Wednesday 4th November to help to protect the communities in which we live and work. We will remain closed until we are advised that it is safe to re-open. We plan to reopen our Welsh stores on the 9th November in line with the Government’s current advice.”
It said: “We ask any customer awaiting an in-store collection to try pop in by Wednesday 4th November if their item is ready to collect. Our stores will be contacting all customers whose items are ready for collection as soon as they arrive; we have put additional deliveries in place to help with this.”
Adding: “With the festive period fast approaching, we know that people will still want to find those perfect Christmas gifts, so please feel free to shop online at fhinds.co.uk. We will dispatch all orders as soon as we can and there are no delays to deliveries at this time. Please keep checking our website and social media and stay connected – we would love to hear from you through these channels or via email.
“Please look after each other. We will get through this together, as a family and we look forward to welcoming you in store again very soon.”
England stores are closed but operating an online service. Next day delivery is available and click and collect is in place at selected stores. While Scotland and stores in Northern Ireland remain open, the Beaverbrooks team encourages people to speak to the customer services team for gifting expertise and advice.
In a message to its valued customers, Berry’s said: “After the Government’s weekend announcement, all of our stores will be closing at 5pm on Wednesday 4th November until the proposed reopening date of Wednesday 2nd December.
“You can still browse our website and place orders online 24/7, but please note our free delivery may take slightly longer. All our store telephones will be active for any enquiries you may have and we are available for Live chat and via WhatsApp on 07597 308965.”
Prestons made the following statement: “This virus has once again closed our doors but our showrooms are still here for you. Throughout this period, you can still contact us through our social media channels, by email or telephone and each of our showrooms will continue to offer the same exceptional service you always receive at Prestons.
“If we have the engagement ring, piece of jewellery or watch you are looking for each of our showrooms will now be offering a dedicated click and collect service. This service is to ensure you can treat yourself, your loved ones and continue to celebrate the occasions that mean the most to you whilst adhering to the current guidelines on social distancing.”
It added: “From all at Prestons, we look forward to speaking to you soon.”
Taking to Instagram to update its following, Pragnell said: “In accordance with government policy, the Pragnell showrooms will be closed to the public from 5th November.
“However, our ecommerce website remains fully open 24 hours a day, and we will offer virtual consultations with your chosen sales consultant.”
Adding: “Furthermore, all of our showrooms will be available for private appointments, for the collection of watches and jewellery, and for the arrangement of home deliveries. We have in place a 5-star PPE rating, for the safety of you and our staff.”
Peter Jackson encouraged the community to support independent jewellers while ensuring customers it was still there to offer support where needed.
The retailer explained: “Our website is fully operational and will be able to look after you and deliver any jewellery or watches for your special occasions to your home. We appreciate your continued support.”
Chisolm Hunter said: “In light of the government’s announcement, we will be closing our English boutiques on Thursday the 5th of November. We would like to take the opportunity to thank our incredible retail team for working around the clock to ensure the highest level of customer service during these difficult circumstances.”
“Whilst our showrooms in England are temporarily closed you can still shop our full range online at www.chisholmhunter.co.uk and use click and collect in a number of our English branches. Our VIP concierge number remains active for anyone who wishes to speak to our professionals. Contact this number on 07825452118.”
It added: “Our customer support team is also at the ready to answer any questions you may have. Contact them by email at help@chisholmhunter.co.uk. We look forward to reopening and welcoming you back to our showrooms. In the meantime, remember to keep smiling!”
