Jewellery chain H. Samuel will not be renewing the lease on their store in Abingdon. They have been at 25 Bury Street since 1984. A sign says, ‘Sorry we’re leaving. This store is closing.’ The other sign in the window saying ‘Make Valentine’s Day last forever.‘
The company commented recently on similar closures in Bridlington, Hereford, and Llandudno, ‘We continually re-assess our portfolio of stores on a store-by-store basis, particularly when individual store leases come up for renewal.’
There remain about 300 H Samuels nationwide. Four jewellers will remain in Abingdon.
Sorry to see another national name leave Abingdon
high rents by the precinct owners who dont give a hoot about their tenants, high business rates dont help.At least there is no longer the stealth BID tax.
Sad to see another casualty of the nationwide trend. I guess most of us don’t buy jewellery that often, but at least we have local alternatives: independents, Frends and TT Jewellery and chains, Gatwards and Pandora. And for the gift-type things Samuels sold, The Gift Centre (next door), Finishing Touch and Belinda’s Jewellery Box – oh and the new shop mentioned here a few days ago!
So, keep buying local…