Jewellery Focus February 2019 | Page 12

MONTH IN REVIEW www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk The bracelet acts as a key to daily life , allowing the wearer the ease and convenience to make high value payments up to £200,000 and even unlock your supercar . Armillion ADMINISTRATIONS Chapelle enters administration Jewellery and watch retailer Chapelle has entered into administration, four years after it was sold to HMV owners Hilco UK. Philip Duffy and Sarah Bell of accountancy firm Duff & Phelps have been appointed as administrators of both Mortimer Management Group and The Jewellery Outlet which makes up Chapelle. The business was founded in 1979 by Paul and Margaret Mortimer as a retail business that offered watches and jewellery with a 30% discount off RRP. Chapelle currently operates 21 stores and stocks brands such as Fiorelli, Fred Bennett, Guess and Michael Kors. Jimmy Saunders, director, Duff & Phelps, said: “Trading conditions for UK retailers continue to be extremely challenging with the British Retail Consortium reporting the worst retail sales for December in 10 years. “Whilst the current management team has spent the last two years working hard to enhance the store estate, brand proposition and driving significant operational efficiencies, economic uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on consumer confidence. He added: “In addition, retailers face rising business rates, national minimum wage increases and a paradigm shift in the retail landscape. This has impacted most retailers and as a result of trading losses, Chapelle could no longer meet its ongoing liabilities.” 12 JEWELLERY FOCUS EVENTS IJL to host Dinny Hall event International Jewellery London (IJL) are hosting an evening with jewellery designer Dinny Hall and journalist Alexandra Shulman. It is the first in a series of year-round consumer events hosted by IJL with top jewellery designers, industry experts and influencers. Dinny Hall and Alexandra Shulman will be in conversation at Liberty London, the store where Dinny Hall Jewellery’s rose to prominence . In this “landmark setting” IJL said the pair will discuss “jewellery, creativity, tomorrow’s talent, and much more”. Katie Morris, IJL Exhibition Director said: “IJL is delighted to be hosting these two trailblazing women at the first of our consumer events next month. The consumer reception for this event has been brilliant and it is fantastic that the event is sold out. “This is part of IJL’s work with the UK jewellery industry to tell the story of the UK jewellery; the designers, the manufacturers, the retailers and the skill. The events will give the consumer a chance to learn more about the passion and dedication of those in the sector.” Trading conditions for UK retailers continue to be extremely challenging with the British Retail Consortium reporting the worst retail sales for December in 10 years Jimmy Saunders, director, Duff & Phelps 1 2 3 4 5 6 TECHNOLOGY World’s most expensive contactless payment and multi-key bracelet Armillion has launched a new multi-key bracelet dubbed ‘the world’s most expensive contactless payment and multi-key bracelet to open your supercar . ’ The Armillion Bracelet is a contactless payment and multi-key device which doubles as a luxury bracelet accessory. With a maximum of 10 made per model the Armillion bracelet is described as a “true symbol of exclusivity”. The bracelet is are made from high-end materials such as titanium, 18K golds and hit-tech ceramics. Prices start at £34,045 to £46,480, and can be made with bespoke materials should the wearer require. On release of the product Armillion stated: “Born out of a combination of cutting-edge technology, Swiss ingenuity and watchmaking design, this is the new benchmark for men’s haute joaillerie. “The bracelet acts as a key to daily life, allowing the wearer the ease and convenience to make high value payments up to £200,000 and even unlock your supercar.” END: THAT’S ALL. YOU ARE NOW UP TO DATE February 2019 | jewelleryfocus.co.uk