AN ICONIC high street jeweller that made history as one of the UK’s first Rolex retailers is closing its doors for good.
have been left gutted as the beloved store, known for its glitzy window displays and long-standing legacy, prepares to shut up shop forever.
After an incredible 154 years on Victoria Street, jewellers will be closing it's doors.
Jonathan Hewitt, the great-grandson of G. Hewitt & Son founder George Hewitt, has made the decision to retire and close the shop for good.
He announced: “We’ve had an astonishing run, 154 years is not a bad innings, is it? We were one of the first retailers in the UK, with our records showing Rolex sales as early as 1919.
“Fast forward to 2011 and G. Hewitt & Son briefly enjoyed one of the largest Rolex showrooms in the country.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to be part of, and also such an integral piece of Grimsby’s High Street history, but it is the right time for us to close the doors, knowing we are going out on a high.”
Jonathan first stepped behind the counter aged just 16 – and in true family tradition, daughter Christina later joined him as Head of Operations, making them the fifth generation to serve up sparkle and timeless treasures to the people of Grimsby.
Jonathan’s great-grandad, George Hewitt, kicked things off way back in 1871 – a local farmer with a knack for clocks and pocket who set up shop at 80 Victoria Street.
So respected was George, it’s even rumoured he rubbed shoulders with Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf himself.
In fact, Jonathan still owns two vintage Rolex watches from 1919 and 1933 – both stamped with the prestigious Rolex and G. Hewitt & Son names.
Fast forward to 1939, the eve of WWII, and the store shifted to swankier digs at 10 Victoria Street.
While two of Jonathan’s uncles signed up to serve – one in the RAF, the other in the Royal Marines – it was his dad Arthur, the youngest, who stayed behind to run the shop alongside his mum.
Jonathan added: “We’ve been fortunate to have an amazing team that’s played a crucial role in our success over the years.
“Several members of our current team of six have been with this family for decades, and they’ve truly become family to us.
“Our store manager, Peter Booker FGA, has been with us for almost 40 years and is a qualified Gemologist, a Fellow of the Gemmological Society.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible team, both past and present, as well as to our loyal customers who have made it a joy to serve over the years.”
Now, as the curtain falls after 154 glittering years, the Grimsby jewellers is bowing out with a bang.
They are launching a once-in-a-lifetime sale with 50% off all , 30% off Bremont watches and 25% off Tudor timepieces.
The final farewell sale begins at 10am on Saturday, April 26.
A number of high street chains doand have closed locations.
TheofGroup – based in Leicestershire – has confirmed it will close 16 showrooms across the countryand that 40 people were expected to leave the.
Where possible, affected staff at the company – which has 709 support service staff members – will be redeployed.
The company said its “priority [was] to support all affected colleagues”.
A statement from the Watches of Switzerland Group said: “We continually assess our operations to remain as efficient and productive as possible.
“Whilst we intend to continue growing our showroom estate organically and by acquisition, following a recent review, we have regrettably made the difficult decision to close 16 showrooms in the UK.
“We have also reviewed our support services to ensure we are operating in the most efficient and productive way topowerourgrowth and are regrettably proposing that circa 40 roles will be at risk of redundancy.”
Similarly, Terence Lett Jewellers, located on the high street in Witney, Oxfordshire, has announced its .
And loyal customers of in Merthyr Tydfil, were left distraught to hear the update and have been mourning the imminent loss.
