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Kenilworth jewellers thriving since reopening

A Kenilworth jeweller has been thriving since it re-opened last month and business has been stronger than before lockdown.

Sylvesters the Jewellers, which is based in Talisman Shopping Centre, was one of many businesses in the town to re-open its doors in June.

The shop has been enjoying better business than when it closed its doors in March, as customers look to buy anniversary gifts they couldn’t during lockdown or repair items that have broken in the last few months.

To keep customers safe, staff have been sterilising any items brought into the shop before working on them and have also introduced special gloves to avoid contact.

Door handles and counters are regular cleaned and screens with slots for credit card machines have been introduced.

Phil Sylvester owns the third-generation family business, which was formed in 1935 and became the inaugural Talisman Square tenant more than 50 years ago.

He said: “It’s actually been very busy for us since we re-opened, we understand that hasn’t been the same for all retailers, but we have certainly been doing better business than pre-lockdown.

“In the first week we saw a huge demand for new watch batteries, in fact we had a month’s worth of demand in one week. That is usually only a very small part of our business.

“We’ve benefited from people missing big anniversaries and somebody who had a ruby wedding anniversary during lockdown still wanted to buy a ruby for their wife.

“Of course we have our regular customers, but we’re seeing new faces too and I think more people are staying out of the cities and shopping local.

“Our regulars have been really thankful that we are back to serve them and we’ve received some thank you gifts too which is rewarding.

“It’s certainly been better than expected since we returned and we’re pleased to be back serving the Kenilworth community.”

Hugo Hawkings, chief executive of Discovery Properties – the developers of Talisman Shopping Centre – added: “There was a lot of uncertainty for many shops when they re-opened last month but it is fantastic to hear that Sylvesters the Jewellers has enjoyed a strong few weeks.

“Our tenants at Talisman Shopping Centre have observed the new guidelines and protocols in regards to social distancing, and we would also like to thank all of the responsible shoppers who have visited the shopping centre.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .