A WELL-LOVED jewellers is closing its shutters for the final time and marking the end of its 37 years with a bank holiday closing down sale.
The award-winning Andrew Scott Designer Jewellery in Cheltenham is holding its last ever sale on August 24 and fans are gutted.
Every item will be an astonishing 50% off and this includes precious stones like diamonds which will be flogged starting from 10am.
The treasured jewellers announced the shock closure earlier today and cited an end of lease as the reason.
One loyal customer lamented: “Can’t believe that. We will be there on Saturday”, while another commented on the bareness of the local high street.
“Such a shame to see another independent shop leave the High Street.
“I have shopped here for many years and will miss the quality of jewellery and the wonderful staff.”
Others seemed keen to get their hands on the cut price diamonds: “Such a shame you are closing down but hope to come in before you leave.”
Andrew Scott has been serving Cheltenham since 1987 and established itself from humble beginnings on a family dressing room table.
After mastering all things jewellery, Andrew decided it was time to branch out and set up a traditional store after he’d built a loyal clientele.
In the early 90s a local shop became available and Andrew was awarded a Prince‘s Trust loan to set-up his dream business.
The sweet tale chronicles a local success and Andrew has run the beloved business with his wife and business partner Vicky.
Andrew said: “That’s how I started in my first store. It was April 1990, just as the recession hit.
“It is notoriously difficult to get a foothold in the jewellery industry, it’s a very traditional business.
“But what I was doing differently, modern pieces, bespoke and individually made, captured the imagination of my clients.”
The new store was a success and he began to stock pieces by other European designers as he expanded.
The business went from strength to strength and the businessman managed to scoop Best Independent Jewellers and Best Store Teamin the UK Jewellery Awards 2000.
He said: “I have a huge sense of pride in what we have achieved. I have always enjoyed sharing jewellery with people, creating something that can’t be found anywhere else.
“The end of our lease has come about and after so many successful years, it feels like a good time to bow out and close the store.
“I think customers will be shocked, as the place really does add something unique to the town.
“We have a lot of very loyal clients and I have been incredibly grateful for their patronage over many years.
“Committing to close the store has been an extremely hard decision.
“To say thank you and goodbye in glittering style, we are offering customers old and new a final opportunity to come along and purchase one of our exquisite pieces.”
Everything from diamond diamond jewellery, coloured stone pieces, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pearls and silver items will be up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis until all stock is sold.
