GOODBYE 2020 31st December 2020 – Posted in: News – Tags: 2020, bespoke, commissions and bespoke, expansion, GOODBUY 2020, guywakeling jewellery, happy new year, key workers, new brands, new staff, new year, small business, thank you, what a year

Well….. where do I start? There are so many adjectives that I could use to describe 2020 as a year, stressful, frustrating, restricting but to name a few. Everyone has suffered this year, whether it be financially, mentally, socially or otherwise, its has been so trying for us all. Thinking back I still shudder at remembering the months of the shop being shut to the public and even worse….HOME SCHOOLING! But for all the bad memories of that time, it means the good memories shine out the brighter, like our VE Day celebrations (where, if you live in Much Hoole you’ll know that everyone put up bunting, set out the table and chairs and celebrated from their own front gardens together.) The sense of comradery and community has been overwhelming, and has remains a special memory of that time for me. 

For our business we have had quite a few changes that have taken place this year. 

Commissions and Bespoke Work. 

Though Lockdown has dominated a massive part of this year, we have been lucky enough to be able to continue with completing commissions and bespoke pieces from our workshop…..and WOW! What commissions they have been, we have had some phenomenal designs and ideas conveyed to us that have at times tested even Guys 30 year experience as a Goldsmith. Yet with each piece that has been completed there is sheer joy for the finished item and the significance and meaning that the jewellery holds to the customer. Despite the reduced number of weddings we have still had a number of engagement rings been made, wartime jewellery being remodelled and pieces to commemorate people and journeys. To see more of our bespoke pieces please click here.

Brand Addition. 

This year we welcomed two new brands to feature within our store. Bering Time creates beautiful watches that are of Danish Design and are inspired by the Artic Landscapes for their, sleek, classic, minimal and modern designs. With designs for men, women and unisex models, these watches have proved amazingly popular with our customers. The second brand which we have brought into our store this year is Fiorelli, originally known for its beautiful bags and accessories. Their new collection of sterling silver jewellery is just as gorgeous, featuring modern designs for both everyday wear and special occasions. To shop our new brands please click here.

Online Shopping. 

This year we have focussed on our website, making sure that it is more accessible and easier to use for our customers. Admittedly we have been spurred on to complete this sooner rather than later by COVID 19 and lockdown. However we have loved every minute and learned so much in the process, so in November we were proud launch our online shop, still makes me smile so much now! We have had a great response with this and thank each and everyone of you who have used the website to order. We continue to update our website with new stock and new lines from our featured brands. To shop online on our website please click here.

Staff Addition. 

In September we welcomed our new Assistant Manager, Sarah. As an expanding business, we felt the need to bring in someone new who could help manage our media accounts, website and day to day running of the store. With a strong educational background in media and experience in retail, Sarah fit the bill and we are pleased to have her as a member of our growing Guy Wakeling Jewellery Family. Chris now has a friend! 🙂

As a Small Business.

One thing that has really struck me about this year is the support and love shown for small businesses. Nationally there has been a massive push to encourage people to shop locally at small businesses. I have to say we have benefited from this and have seen an increase in customers who would usually head into the City Centre, seek us out and come to ourselves for their jewellery needs. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has shopped, ordered online or used our services. It really is greatly appreciated and we are encouraged by the support and love shown. 

Thank you All Key Workers. 

I also want to take this opportunity (the last time we will get in 2020) to say a big thank you to all those who are key workers. We have many friends and customers who are key workers and who work particularly for the emergency services and NHS. We appreciate and congratulate them for the work they have done in the face of adversity and extremely hard times, by putting others first above their own safety. Thank You. 

Personally I’m going to be welcoming in the New Year with a glass of wine, some good food to hand whilst watching something good on Netflix! Whatever you have planned this New Years Eve we truly hope you have a good one. We are looking forward to the New Year with hope, anticipation and knowledge that whatever challenges 2021 will throw at us we will be ready to face them with courage and strength. 

We wish you all a Happy New Year and all the best for a brighter, better New Year. 

All the best, 

Take Care and Stay Safe, 

Goodbye 2020!