Renowned Birmingham jeweller retiring after 46 years.
After 46 years at the pinnacle of the jewellery business, illustrious Birmingham store owner Richard Johnson has decided it’s time to hang up his loupe. His retirement will mark the end of an era, as Piccadilly Jewellers hosts a spectacular closing down sale. All stock, including high-quality diamond and gold merchandise, will be reduced by 50% when the sale starts on November 30th.
Renowned local Jeweller and entrepreneur Richard Johnson, with help from his late father, founded Birmingham’s famous Piccadilly Jewellers in 1973. The unmistakable shop front is a prominent feature in New Street and the treasured traditional facade is reminiscent of the city’s distinguished jewellery heritage.
Born, bred and educated in Edgbaston, Richard had a successful business career behind him when due to a serious staff shortage, his Father desperately needed help over the Christmas period and after about two days the jewellery bug had bitten.
Explains Richard: “I found myself in the jewellery business quite by accident, but it was definitely meant to be.”
When it first opened for business, Piccadilly Jewellers was in smaller premises within Piccadilly Arcade. After an excellent start to his retail career, relocation to a larger store quickly followed, and Richard and his staff moved into the current location which had been previously occupied by H. Samuel.
Since then Richard and his team have spent decades providing unfaltering attention to customer service, combined with a high-class selection of the finest quality Jewellery; ensuring that Piccadilly Jewellers became known as one of Birmingham’s most renowned independent retailers.
“I have been hopelessly in love with the business since we opened it, and for well over 40 years I have jumped out of bed, eager to see what each day would bring.
“My team and I have been distinguished for our superior customer service and of course the exceptional quality of our stock; we’re in the business of providing our Clients with heirlooms of the future. So, it is with huge personal regret that I have to announce the closure of Piccadilly Jewellers.”
Although being over retirement age, unlike many of his counterparts, Richard reveals he doesn’t feel ready to retire but circumstances have dictated it is sadly time to close the business.
“Unfortunately, the traditional retail landscape as I have known it over my Jewellery career no longer exists. The internet’s impact on high street trading has been devastating; leaving me with no other option than to close the business. It’s something which I regret with all my heart, and if I felt there was another way, I would definitely be renewing the lease and continuing to trade.”
As another small retailer closes, the high street’s loss may be the customer’s gain; as Richard is launching a huge closing down sale, will start at 10am on Saturday 30th November and will see him mark every item of stock down by 50% until the shutters are finally pulled down in January.
