CMJ welcomes four retail members and new suppliers
July 2013 – Four new retailers, representing seven shops between them, have joined The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) this month.
The new members are In the Pink from Grimsby and Cleethorpes, Davies Jewellers, of Bangor and Menai Bridge in Wales, Griffin Jewellers of Bridlington and George Knight Jewellers, of East Grinstead and Haywards Heath.
Paul Moss, of George Knight Jewellers, said: “We were encouraged to join CMJ by Alan Higgs of TH Baker and after some consideration realised it would be beneficial to us, as an independent company, to be part of an established buying group.
“We were particularly keen to be able to attend the CMJ Trade Events bringing together a more focused group of suppliers with which we have something in common.”
Marc Davies, of Davies Jewellers opened his first shop in Bangor over 20 years ago, and after successfully trading for 10 years, opened his second shop in picturesque Menai Bridge on the island of Anglesey.
He first heard about the CMJ on a Pandora trip to Monaco. “Talking to other CMJ members and to the CMJ chief executive Willie Hamilton on that trip gave me energy and inspiration to make some changes to my business,” said Marc.
“Joining CMJ is a positive move and offers support as my wife and I drive our business forward. We have high hopes for the future”.
Katie Webb Jones, General Manager of contemporary jewellers In the Pink, said: “We are constantly evaluating our position in the market place.
“We are delighted to become members of the CMJ, and we look forward to attending the events and training.
“Speaking to colleagues in the business is essential to keep up to date about what is happening in the industry so that in turn our business remains current and fresh.
“Over the next few years we hope to establish ourselves as niche jewellers, offering on site jewellery repairs and engraving, and also offering our customers something a bit different to the high street chains.”
New approved suppliers to The CMJ include Swiss watch brand Maurice Lacroix and Italian gold brand AnnaMaria Cammilli.
The CMJ is also developing its service suppliers with Magpie ticketing company, The Jewellery Display Company who join existing services suppliers, Pursuit, Bransom, Clarity & Success and Access Merchant Services.
At the next CMJ Trade Event in Birmingham on August 4th-5th, there will be a new Services Hall within the show, which will showcase the growing number of service suppliers to the Group.
“Exhibition space for the next CMJ Trade Event sold out in record time,” said CMJ Trade Event organiser Lucy Hill.
“The show will include an area dedicated to watch brands as well as the new Services hall, and the main Jewellery Halls will include CMJ’s key suppliers, including Pandora.”
