By David Brough
Jewellery shops made last-minute preparations to reopen in the UK this week, using social media to reassure customers that they were putting strict procedures in place for hygiene and social distancing.
Retailers used Instagram, Facebook and other channels to notify customers of reopening dates and what type of experience to expect in-store in the latest easing of lockdown measures, which were imposed due to Covid-19.
“We have the news that you’ve all been waiting patiently for… Our doors are being flung back open on Tuesday 16th June,” wrote David Mellor Jewellers, with branches in Hampshire, southern England, in an Instagram post.
“After a manic couple of weeks of preparation, our stores are compliant with the ‘new normal’, with extra hygiene and social distancing measures in place.”
Other independent jewellers posted similar announcements.
Lister Horsfall in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, wrote on Instagram: “We are opening our Halifax and Ilkley showrooms on Monday 15th June.
“We’ve been working hard since we temporarily closed our doors to put various measures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone who visits us.”
Simon Johnson of Marmalade Jewellery in Chiswick, west London, wrote on Instagram: “We’ve just completed our National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) ‘Be Covid-19 Ready’ training certificate, and taken delivery of our new face visors.”
Marmalade, award-winning designers of diamond engagement, wedding and eternity rings, will reopen on Tuesday 16th June.
Libby Rak Jewellery of Woodstock, Oxfordshire, said on Instagram, “So excited to be reopening tomorrow (Monday 15th June). Please visit libbyrak.com to book an appointment.
“Due to social distancing we would really appreciate it if you book an appointment in advance so that we can monitor the number of people in the gallery.”
Wylde Jewellers of Bath wrote on Instagram: “We’ve put many measures in place to ensure a smooth and safe transition for everyone, and are operating on an appointment only basis at first, although we will always try to make a same-day one if you just turn up on the day.”
