A former high street competitor of Pia – which last week closed 14 stores and indicated it is moving online – has said he is not surprised by the decision given the “slim” margins on offer today and growing cost pressure on overheads. Ian Middleton, director of Argenteus, shifted to an online model four years…
Argenteus shutters last store to take new route
MD Ian Middleton now focusing on independent concessions spaces. Jewellery retailer Argenteus has closed its last store, located on Oxford’s Cornmarket Street, after 20 years operating in the city where the business was founded. The shop – the last independent retailer on Cornmarket Street, a prime city-centre location – was shuttered on September 28, with…
Ian Middleton: The sad closure of Argenteus Oxford
The indie retail MD on closed retail doors and brand new beginnings. By Ian Middleton, managing director and co-founder, Argenteus "On Sunday September 28 we closed our final Argenteus store on Cornmarket Street in Oxford. It was a sad day for us all, not least for the final member of our sales staff who had…
Ian Middleton: Why I have closed our London shop
The impact of rents, rates and changes to retail on Argenteus. By Ian Middleton It is with great regret that we have to announce the closure of our Covent Garden branch on December 6 2013. Recent changes to the tone of the Covent Garden market area, fluctuations in footfall and turnover, ongoing increases in rent,…
Argenteus closing Covent Garden hub after 13 years
Silver and designer jewellery retailer impacted by changes to area. Jewellery retailer Argenteus has announced that it will close down its Covent Garden store next week, after 13 years of business. The central London store will close its doors on December 6. The company’s managing director and co-founder Ian Middleton said that trade has been…
Let’s start thinking outside the branded box
Ian Middleton bangs the drum for British jewellery designers. By Ian Middleton It’s always good to hear of new stores opening, especially independents, and particularly on local high streets. To me, that individuality is the essence of retailing. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been a retailer myself for over 25 years. It’s also why…
Finding it hard to trust upbeat festive forecasts
Argenteus director Ian Middleton gives his musings on Christmas 2010. By Ian Middleton, director, Argenteus I’m having a hard time believing that either the Verdict or the Twenga assessments of a buoyant Christmas are anything more than wishful thinking. Whilst I’m not expecting things to be any worse than last year a shift such as…
Argenteus creative director wins 360 carat emerald
AG&Sons awards Mawson the gem on the conclusion of its IJL prize draw. Argenteus creative director Fiona Mawson has been announced by AG & Sons as the winner of its IJL prize draw to receive a 360 carat, natural, carved emerald. Mawson’s name was picked from a total of 66 entries at the show. AG…
Argenteus donates necklace to cancer charity
Celebrities support Splash of Pink Fashion Show and Couture Tea. Argenteus has donated an exclusive sliver and sapphire necklace to the Splash of Pink Fashion Show and Couture Tea. The event will be held in Thame, Oxfordshire, on September 25 in support of charity Against Breast Cancer. It will be hosted by Dwina and Robin…
Volcanic ash misery for UK jewellery industry
Stock piles up abroad and UK exports come to a standstill. The ash cloud caused by volcanic eruptions in Iceland that turned Britain into a no-fly zone have hit the UK jewellery industry as stock has been left stranded abroad and export has come to a standstill. Some independent retailers with small teams and stock…
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