Irish Jewellery News


Spring Bars. Are you making enough money on these little Lads?
Jonathan Gordon arrives at Findings Ireland Ltd., October 1998. Awards for Best Retailer and Best Supplier October 1997        
             
             


Home page for Findings Ireland (if you do not have an index listing to the left)

 

Try our new on-line Magazine

News as of October 3rd  2001
 

I thought you might like this one.
 
 
 
This may seem long but I think it is worth reading, it makes one feel proud
to be an American!
Kathy

From:  
Gale.Seereiter@mail.doc.gov [mailto:Gale.Seereiter@mail.doc.gov]
Sent:   Wednesday, September 12, 2001 12:55 PM
Subject:    Editorial on the United States

In this time of sorrow for our country, this may help you put things in perspective.  Pass it along to friends here and abroad that you think should read it.

THE UNITED STATES
This, from a Canadian newspaper, is worth sharing.
America: The  Good Neighbour.
Widespread but only partial news coverage was given recently to a remarkable editorial broadcast from Toronto by Gordon Sinclair, a Canadian television commentator.  What follows is the full text of his trenchant remarks as printed in the Congressional Record:
"This Canadian thinks it  is time to speak up for the Americans as the most generous and possibly the least appreciated people on  all the earth.

Germany,  Japan and, to a lesser extent, Britain and Italy were  lifted out of the debris of war by the Americans who  poured in billions of dollars and forgave other  billions in debts. None of these countries is today paying even the interest on its remaining debts to  the United States.

When  France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was  the Americans who propped it up, and their reward was  to be insulted and swindled on the streets of Paris.  I was there. I saw it.
When earthquakes hit distant cities, it is the United  States that hurries in to help. This spring, 59 American communities were flattened by tornadoes. Nobody helped.

The  Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy pumped billions of dollars into discouraged countries. Now newspapers in those countries are writing about the decadent,  warmongering Americans.
I'd like to see just one of those countries that is gloating over the erosion of the United States dollar build its own airplane.  Does any other country in the world have a plane to equal the Boeing Jumbo Jet, the Lockheed Tri-Star, or the Douglas DC10?  If so, why don't they fly them?
Why do all the International lines except Russia fly American Planes?

Why does no other land on earth  even consider putting a man or woman on the moon? You  talk about Japanese technocracy, and you get radios.  You talk about German technocracy, and you get  automobiles.

You talk  about American technocracy, and you find men on the  moon!  Not once, but several times - and safely home  again.
You talk about  scandals and the Americans put theirs right in the store window for everybody to look at. Even their  draft-dodgers are not pursued and hounded.  They are  here on our streets, and most of them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are getting American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend here.
When the railways of France, Germany and India  were breaking down through age, it was the Americans  who rebuilt them.  When the Pennsylvania Railroad and  the New York Central went broke, nobody loaned them an old caboose.
Both are still broke.
I can name you 5000 times when the  Americans raced to the help of other people in  trouble.  Can you name me even one time when someone else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think  there was outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake.
Our neighbours have faced it alone and I'm one Canadian who is damned tired of hearing them get kicked around. They  will come out of this thing with
their flag high.   And  when they do, they are entitled to thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over their present  troubles. I hope Canada is not one of those."

Stand proud, America!

This is one of the best editorials that I have ever  read regarding the
United States.  It is nice that  one man realizes it.  I only wish that the
rest of the world would realize it.  We are always blamed for everything
and never even get a thank you for the  things we do.


Gale Seereiter
International Trade Specialist
U.S. Department of Commerce

 
 
***************************************************************************************


 

Received from Frank Hynes, Wexford...President of RJI.
 
 Attention Frank Hynes SAFETY, SECURITY & PEACE OF MIND
 
Frank Hynes
President
Retail Jewellers of Ireland
17 North Main Street
Wexford Town
 
02/07/01
 
Dear Mr Hynes
 
We in Satcom are the leading suppliers of tracking/security devices for individuals and vehicles in Ireland. These devices enhance the safety and security of high value product and at risk persons. Our clients include all the major banks and many well known organisations. Our company is well known to the Gardai with whom we work very closely. We feel that our products are relevant to your members. This technology has now become very cost efficient.
We would like to meet groups of your members and demonstrate the benefits of our products. Should you wish to avail of our offer we will organise a room and refreshments at a time and locations of their convenience.
You can contact Noel O'Connell or myself Kevin Maguire at 021-4310218 or at 086-6066005.
 
 ***************************************************************************************

Subject:
Fw: \ New 'War Vote' Virus Deletes Computer Files

ribbon22.gifI found this and here is the link for it.
http://azcentral.com/news/reuters/stories/NEWS-TECH-VOTEVIRUS-DC.shtml
 
New 'War Vote' Virus Deletes Computer Files

Reuters
Sep. 24, 2001 18:49

SAN FRANCISCO - Computer security experts on Monday warned of a new virus that deletes files while masquerading as a program that will allow people to vote on whether the United States should go to war over the Sept. 11 hijacker attacks.

The ``Vote Virus,'' which so far is not widespread, circulates via e-mail to users of Microsoft Corp.'s Outlook e-mail program, said Simon Perry, vice president of security solutions at Computer Associates International Inc.

The virus, punctuated by strange grammar and a mix of lower- and upper-case letters, appears with the subject line: ''Peace between America and Islam!'' and the body of the e-mail reads: ``Hi. Is it a war against America or Islam!? Let's vote to live in peace!'' Perry and other experts said.

When the attachment entitled ``WTC.exe'' is opened, the virus tries to delete all the files on the computer's hard drive and sends copies of the e-mail to every address listed in the computer's address book, he said.

The virus also defaces any Web pages that are hosted by an infected computer to read: ``America ... few days will show you what we can do!!! It's our turn ))) ZaCker is so sorry for you,'' according to Perry.

In addition the virus, which is a worm because of its self-propagation capabilities, deletes the Windows directory files, tries to download a ``backdoor'' on the computer and unsuccessfully attempts to reformat the system, said Vincent Gullotto, senior research director of Network Associates Inc.'s Antivirus Response Team. A ``backdoor'' would enable someone to get remote access to the computer without permission.

The virus also can delete antivirus software on the computer, according to Vincent Weafer, director of Symantec Corp.'s Antivirus Research Center.

SICK SENSE OF HUMOR

The virus is believed to be the work of an opportunist and not associated with the Sept. 11 jetliner attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon in which nearly 7,000 people feared dead.

``There is no evidence that this is related to the people who carried out'' the attacks, Perry said.

Virus writers have discovered that they can easily dupe people into opening emails by appealing to their prurient interests.

For example, popular viruses have purported to be photos of naked women or love letters, like the ``I Love You'' virus that caused an estimated $8.7 billion in global damage last year.

Researchers are worried that the new, dangerous virus might spread quickly because of its supposed relation to the debate over U.S. retaliation for the attacks.

``We feel this is likely to get quite a high pickup in that a lot of people are going to click on this,'' Perry said. ``If the news about this doesn't get out before people get their e-mails, they're at risk.''

Perry said he expects there will be more socially engineered viruses related to the topic of war and terrorism.

``What this is a sick sense of humor,'' Perry said. ``Chances are this is not any kind of cyber-terrorism. It's just cyber terror.''

``If this was truly politically motivated there would have been more of a message some place in the code,'' noted Gullotto.

FEW INFECTIONS SO FAR

While Symantec and Network Associates reported only a couple of customer infections each, between five and 10 large corporate customers of Computer Associates have been infected since the virus first appeared on Monday morning, Perry said.

Researchers do not know where it originated from but it has not yet hit Europe and Asia, he said.

The software companies are working to update their antivirus programs to detect and protect computers against the new virus, researchers said.

A free security update for Outlook 2000 that was released about a year ago automatically blocks it, according to Microsoft spokesman Jim Desler.

``We find it appalling that someone would choose this time and these circumstances to propagate a virus,'' he said.


***************************************************************************************

Hi Folks,
 
I received this from an old friend and customer Assumpta Warner.     Nice people.  If you feel you can help with this please contact directly.
 
JOHNNY,
 
MY DAUGHTER STEPHANIE IS A 3RD. YEAR STUDENT IN U.C.D.AND NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, FLAT SHARE ETC.  COULD YOU SEND OUT A CIRCULAR TO SEE IF ANYONE KNOWS OF A VACANCY. MY PHONE NO. 051 421458.
 
REGARDS
 
ASSUMPTA
 
Forristal Jewellers
15 South Street
New Ross
Co Wexford
 
Ph 051-421458  FX 051-425982 or 051-425082 warnerfamily@eircom.net
 
 

News as of September 29th  2001

Findings Ireland reports increase in business for August up 11%.   The bad news is that business for September was exactly the same as last year although I felt we were making more calls and covering more ground.    I guess we will put it down to the World Trade Centre atrocity.    Thanks to all who contributed.
 
One customer towards the South of the country said that business for August was up 130%........diamond sales apparently.    A pity I sell no diamonds!
 
If you have any reports to add, anonymously, please tell us.

 

News as of September 26th  2001

Johnny,
I am looking for sterling silver christening mugs,
preferably Irish made.Can anyone help?
 
Jim Seymour,
Seymour Jewellers,
Skibbereen.
jim@seymour.ie

News as of September 26th  2001


Looking for:
 1. Stainless steel watch bracelet, 20mm lug fitting, with z clasp
utilising
 ratchet expanding piece so as to enable wearer to fit over wetsuit as
 required.

 2. Water resistant clocks for speedboat.

 Patrick Lowe RJ Dip. RV9619
 Armin Lowe Jewellers
 22a Grattan St.
 Sligo * Ireland.
 +353 71 42565
 aplowe@iol.ie  www.iol.ie/~aplowe

News as of September 22nd  2001

VIRUS ALERT.
          This looks like a bad one that's coming. Forward  this to others.
     
         Please read and forward to everyone you know......    DO NOT OPEN: "NEW PICTURES OF FAMILY"          It is a virus that will erase your whole "C" drive.
       
         It will come to you in the form of a E-mail from a familiar person.
       
         I repeat a friend sent it to me, but called &  warned me before I opened it.
       
         He was not so lucky and now he can't even start his computer!
       
         Forward this to everyone in your address book. I  would rather receive this  25 times than not at all. Also: Intel announced that a new and very  destructive virus was discovered recently. If you receive an email called "FAMILY
         PICTURES,"  do not open it. Delete it right away!
       
         This virus removes all dynamic link libraries (.dll  files) from your  computer.     Your computer will not be able to boot up.

This comes compliment of Jenny Mooney.  Thanks Jenny!
       

News as of September 19th  2001

I received the following from:
 W M Douglas & Co Ltd
 5 Tullow Street
 Carlow Town
 Co Carlow
 
 Ph 0503-31254  FX 0503-31254 douglasjewellers@eircom.net
 
I'm looking for a R20075 single CZ dress ring, Emarno's stock but discontinued.  I need one in any size.  Please mention my name.............anybody who can help out please contact me direct.
 
Thank You.
 
Ivan Tucker.  [Ring has been located..thanks Stanley]


News as of September 6th  2001

I have been asked to pass on the message below which comes from ISME via RJI..............to which many of us are affiliated.
 
***********************************************************
NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING FRIDAY 14th SEPTEMBER 2001
 
As you are probably aware the government has announced a national day of mourning for Friday 14th September 2001, encouraging all businesses to close on this day. 
 
However the Department of Trade and Employment have indicated that should YOU decide to remain open on Friday (which is at your total discretion), the day will be treated as a Public Holiday from the perspective of your employees.
 
The employees entitlements are as follows:
a. A paid day off on the Public Holiday, or
b. A paid day off within one month, or
c. An extra day's annual leave, or
d. an extra day's pay
 
ISME have requested that the Government review the issue, because of the unnecessary burden which it impose on our member companies.
 
Should you have any further queries please contact this office or the Department of Trade and employment at 01-6114444.
 
********************************************************

News as of September 6th  2001

I have a customer who would like to know who sells CORONA silver.     He has no email so please mail me.

News as of September 6th  2001

Below arrived today.
 
***********************************************
 
 
I believe the bank must be responsible for this problem - their system is at fault.  We had a similar problem with Ulster Bank.  It was for a much smaller amount but we accepted a visa card from a regular customer who lived in Beirut and normally called to us once/twice per year.
 
The amount exceeded our floor limit and was returned unpaid by the bank.  However, the amount was debited to the cardholder.  We followed it up with the bank giving them copies of our customers statement, etc and they refused to reimburse us.  However, in sheer frustration after about a year later, we wrote to the MD of Ulster Bank and threatened that our next step was the Ombudsman.  We only then got our money.

News as of September 1st  2001

I have been asked to tell you about a shop for sale............................but let the vendor speak for themselves and their town:
 

Ours is a small family run business in Cobh, Co. Cork.  My wife, daughter
and myself are employed on a full time basis.  We have two part-time staff.
We open six days a week and have an excellent local trade.  Many of our
customers have been with us since we opened fifteen years ago.  We have a
very good repair service with myself repairing all the watches and doing
many of our jewellery repairs which makes this business very attractive to
someone with repair skills.

For those not familiar with Cobh let me give you some background
information.  This is a most beautiful and historic town situated in the
mouth of Cork Harbour.  It is serviced by road, has an hourly city
connection by rail and has a cross river ferry connection with Douglas and
Kinsale.  It has approximately 12,000 residence on the Great Island with
many new housing developments in progress and plans for further development.
There is a growing but significant tourist trade in Cobh which has not
reached its full potential. Tourism has been considerably boosted in recent
years with the return of the Cruse Liners to Cobh with considerable spin-off
both from the passengers and visitors coming in to see the Liners.

We have recently upgraded our alarm system, the windows have 11mm toughened
glass and the front is covered by a security grill.  As you can see from the
above we were not planning to retire at this point but personal
circumstances make caring on the business very difficult so rather than
allow it close we have make the difficult decision to sell.

We are asking 35K key money + stock at value + £200 p.w. rent.  The lease is
15 years with 5 year rent review.
 
And the people and place:
Brian & Una O'Dea.
Treasure Cove Jewellers
20 West Beach
Cobh
Co Cork
 

News as of September 1st  2001

In response to my mail of last week a customer called to say that the "foreign nationals" were in fact people from Nigeria, very well dressed, well spoken and they all had beautiful Gold Cards............................forged.
No details of just what card was used, or was there more than one card?  But Gold Card and no money behind it.  Be advised.
 
Apparently there was no connection really with the people notified to me last week.   Last week they might best be described as "non-nationals in long flowing robes" but not "black".    And they were shoplifters, not con artists with credit cards.
 
And business report:
Findings Ireland had a poor June and July with a nice improvement in August.     Other reports were of a poor July in spots.  Generally tourists were down over the summer and particularly Yanks.
 
And another report says:
"Jan - Mar - Record Months
Apr - Disaster
May - Great
June - August - Very Poor

Suffered due to lack of US visitors.

Good feeling for Christmas"     This report was from a company broadly working in the Tourist/Ethnic section of the jewellery business.
 
Another report:
"Our experience for July would be similar to yours - not a good month in an otherwise good year."
 
Please keep the reports coming.
 


News as of August 22nd  2001

I have been asked by the Retail Jewellers Of Ireland to warn you of a problem.
 
Apparently there have been several examples of "non-nationals" coming in to jewellery shops and stealing diamond rings.  They arrive in a group and try to distract you with various diversions.
 
It is suggested that if "non-nationals" arrear in your shop in force that you make sure you are vigilant and get extra staff on duty before showing diamonds.  Particularly warn junior not to show diamonds under suspicious circumstances.
 
Have a nice day.
 

News as of August 22nd  2001

Met a guy recently who sells safes.  These are mainly taken from banks closing down in the UK and are all relatively modern.
 
I had to ask the price and he tells me that one with a 40mm front door and inside dimensions of 35 inches x 20 inches x 20 inches sells for £1,700 and the same but with an 80mm door [just the front of the door..............the bit you have to drill] comes to £2,200.
 
If you want him he is Josh Gahan 053-27352  087-2778360.
 

News as of August 22nd  2001

I have been asked to remind you that the Annual Dinner Dance and weekend away Nov.9th - 11th 2001 will take place in the Ferrycarrig Hotel in Wexford.      If you have already booked with the hotel, then excellent.  
 
If you have not already booked then please return your booking form to the hotel before 25th September.
 
And if you are interested in going but have yet to be asked (nobody loves you(?)) then please contact :
 [Sec: Betty Laurence][Pres:Frank Hynes, Wexford]
 Betty Laurence Retail Jewellers Of Ireland R J I
 Arbutus Grove
 Quin
 Co Clare
 
 Ph 065-6825714  FX 065-6825924 rji@eircom.ie  or betty_laurence@hotmail.com 
 

News as of August 22nd  2001

I have been asked by RJI to ask you to see whether it would be possible for us to price Retail Selling Prices in round Euros for example €150.00 £118.13 which RJI feel would be less confusing for the customer.
 

News as of August 21st  2001

A young friend of mine, Jason Clarke, is a designer of web sites.  Just ordinary information sites..........not those with secure servers, but we are working on it.  He has sent me a small add as below.    Please contact him direct.
 
Subject: Advertisement

 

Hi,

My name is Jason Clarke and I am a graphic/website designer. I have been working mostly on company intranets up to now and would like to expand more into web design.  

I have designed a web site for Tom Greeley Jewellers [just click here] and they seem very happy with it. I am a qualified graphic designer with a lot of experience in the industry.

I can give you an informational site with 3 pictures and 3 pages of information about you and what you wish to show your customers...........full colour of course for £250.  We then submit it  to a dozen search engines for you so that people can find you.
(For £450 you get up to ten pages of information about yourself and up to 10 pictures.)    If you do not have a digital(web) camera we can take photos of your shop and stock (extra charge).
 
Any sites as above are informational only and prospective customers with have to contact you by email, fax, phone or post.
 
The price includes an FTP program which will enable you to upload for yourself any changes you may wish to make to your site.   In other words you will finish up with full control of your site and will not need me (or anybody else) to make expensive alterations to it for you
 
A more advanced site is possible...........although not just at the moment.  It would cost up to £1,500 and would mean that you can do business with your customers by credit card using a secure server.   Ideal but costly.
 
We also update existing sites.

If you or any friends/colleagues are interested in having a site designed please let me know.



Rgds,
Jason Clarke

Mail me! [just click here].

 
 
 
 
 
 
Remember, this could be your shopfront on view to the World.
 

 

My name is Jason Clarke and I am a graphic/website designer. I have been working mostly on company intranets up to now and would like to expand more into web design.  

I have designed a web site for Tom Greeley Jewellers [just click here] and they seem very happy with it. I am a qualified graphic designer with a lot of experience in the industry.

I can give you an informational site with 3 pictures and 3 pages of information about you and what you wish to show your customers...........full colour of course for £250.  We then submit it  to a dozen search engines for you so that people can find you.
(For £450 you get up to ten pages of information about yourself and up to 10 pictures.)    If you do not have a digital(web) camera we can take photos of your shop and stock (extra charge).
 
Any sites as above are informational only and prospective customers with have to contact you by email, fax, phone or post.
 
The price includes an FTP program which will enable you to upload for yourself any changes you may wish to make to your site.   In other words you will finish up with full control of your site and will not need me (or anybody else) to make expensive alterations to it for you
 
A more advanced site is possible...........although not just at the moment.  It would cost up to £1,500 and would mean that you can do business with your customers by credit card using a secure server.   Ideal but costly.
 
We also update existing sites.

If you or any friends/colleagues are interested in having a site designed please let me know.



Rgds,
Jason Clarke

Mail me! [just click here].

 
 
 
 
 
 
Remember, this could be your shopfront on view to the World.
 

News as of August 16th  2001

I have seen a beautiful ticketing machine working in the shop of Adrian Fitzgibbon (who is so pleased that he bought four of them for his two shops).    It automatically prints Euro prices in addition to Irish Pound prices on the same ticket/strip at the touch of a button.    It runs on those expensive tapes 6,9,12mm at £9+, £10+ and £11+ per tape but it saves a lot of time and possible errors.     It costs £65 from:
 
Ruane Office Supplies
U2 Ballymount Cross Business Park
Dublin 24
Co Dublin
 
Ph 01-4569437  ask for Philip or Louise Drake
 

[Additional data............it has a memory limited to about 4 tickets at a time.  Check before buying that it will suit.]

News as of August 15th  2001

ADVERTISEMENT

Do you work with Gemstones?

 

 Increase your Understanding and

Confidence

Four Day Practical Course -

¨   Identification of main stones used in Jewellery

¨   How to separate natural stones from synthetics and imitations

¨   Use of polariscope, refractometer and spectroscope

¨   How to discern quality and value

This is a practical course given for jewellers by a gemmologist. No previous experience is required.

Participants learn to use a 10x lens to identify inclusions in stones. They learn to use gem testing equipment to verify gemstone identification. Each participant has a box of 25 gemstones to examine and a selection of mounted jewellery. Groups are small and personal assistance is readily available

Courses held in Stranmillis University College, Belfast – choice of dates shown below

Tues 4th – Fri 7th September 2001 and Tues 11th – Fri 14th September 2001

Fee £525 – includes gem identification books, dichroscope, 10x lens, and sandwich lunches

Grant available for small businesses – details from Mrs Maureen Cahalan Tel 090-542513

Residential accommodation available in Halls of Residence if required - 4 nights B&B (£100)

 

Mrs Hilary Avery MA Dip Ed FGA, Stranmillis University College, Belfast BT9 5DY

Enquires welcome- Tel and Fax: +44 (0) 28 91 478648         Email: h.avery@gemstudies.com

______________________________________________________________________________________

                                                    

I wish to join course 4 -7th Sept / 11th –14th Sept  (Please circle 1st choice)

Name : _______________________________________________________

 

Address : _____________________________________________________

 

Telephone code and number : __________________________________

 

Deposit £100 (payable to Mrs H. Avery) is enclosed - Signature _____________________________                Balance due 1st September 2001. Early booking essential as places are limited.

 
News as of April 1st  2001

Business done by Findings Ireland to end of March for the eight months from August 2000 is up 4.4%..............and the year to end of July last year was itself up about 5%.
 
In Clonmel, Thurles, Midleton some jewellers and all pubs, banks and other public type buildings had foot and mouth mats outside the doors and some had notices requesting their use.
 
One UK visitor to the Southeast was heartily embarrassed by looking at all the mats and their use................apparently in the UK they are not to be seen in most areas.      I phoned a supplier and asked how the foot and mouth was affecting them in Birmingham and was told"Still plenty of meat in the shops.  No panic buying".      Indeed!!
 

News as of Feb 10th 2001

While talking to Frank Hynes about Trocaire he tells me that there are 2 courses of interest to jewellers coming up soon.
 One course on Gemmology with Mary Bourke FGA in charge.  And one on valuations with Padraig Lavin (FGA).   Both will be held in Dublin, both cost £100 ( only £80 for RJI members) and last for just one day.      "A busy day".
 
Contact for details ( I know no more) :
 Betty Laurence Retail Jewellers Of Ireland R J I
 Arbutus Grove
 Quin
 Co Clare
 
 Ph 065-6825714  FX 065-6825924
 maevelaurence@tinet.ie
rji@eircom.ie;   
betty_laurence@hotmail.com;
 
One of the above will surely contact her.
 

News as of June 10th 1999

Spring Bars.

Spring Bars.    They cost at most 15 pence each from Findings Ireland.    But you get 50 pence (Waterford chap),  75 pence (big man in Cork),  or £2.00 (most of Kilkenny).   Think about it,   its a service.    Even if the old bars cost nothing you have to charge for your time. 

I am told that Harrod's London charge £25 for a battery, up to £40 for an Omega battery and yet we know they seldom cost over a pound and many cost 22 pence.   A service.    

Some people charge £13.50 for a new movement costing £4 to £5.    One chap in Cork charges £25.     And told me that Harrod's (again) charge either £10 or £20 non-refundable for an ESTIMATE.  A service.

A fairly well-known furniture dealer in the mid-lands charges repairs out at 1,000%.   Nice one lad!     Story goes that he got a mirror replaced in a big old gilt frame.   Was charged £200 by the mirror man.      Asked the mirror man to deliver it to the customer.    Who then presented him with a cheque made out to the big man for £2,000.    That's the story.   

Just make sure that you are not selling yourself and our trade short.    A service.  And charge for it.    And stop moaning about   paying 15 pence for spring bars.    We have 6 different types and they are all useful in their way, and worth paying a small premium for the quality and service and range.

Have a nice one.

 

 

 

News as of September 27th 1998

Jonathan Gordon, 22 year-old elder son of Johnny Gordon and Sheila Gordon of Findings Ireland Ltd. will be joining the firm on October 1st. He has previously worked in tele-sales, fast food (Dundrum Pizza -- chief executive), and latterly in the bar trade. He will be meeting customers, calling with Johnny up to Christmas. Welcome Jon.

 

News at 12th October 1997

Awards for Best Retailer and Best Supplier
This  year for the first time The Jewellery Trade (a new body representing members of the Retail Jewellers of Ireland, the Irish Jewellers Association and The Federation of Jewellery Manufacturers of Ireland) are presenting awards for excellence in three categories:

1. Best shop owned by a member of the Retail Jewellers of Ireland.

2. Best supplier; member of IJA

3. Best supplier; member of FJMI

Advance news is that the Awards will take place at a Dinner in The Clare Inn Hotel (the one on the hill) on November 15th 1997 and will be compared by Maxi and will have Paddy Cole making the music.

Members of the three Associations will be notified by post shortly of the final details of the Gala Night.

 

Business a bit Medium.
Wholesalers have been finding business a bit tougher this year. And money harder to collect.
Some reckon that the boom in housing together with the rush of people to buy new cars is leaving other retail sales dropping behind. Italian gold chain shows were poorly supported compared to previous years.

Also several people are now sorted out with stock control systems like Branson and this tends to make the retail jeweller think before spending £2,500 with that nice wholesale supplier lad who calls in from time to time with nice goods.

The retailer is more likely to order repeats in small lots throughout the year. This will give perhaps a TOTAL business equal to last year but in a different pattern. So we are told anyway!

However it seems to have stopped raining in Dublin

Back to sIrish Jewellers Association


Written by Johnny Gordon e-mail johnny@indigo.ie