Anna Blackburn, the managing director of Beaverbrooks, said she was positive about the performance against the backdrop of a challenging retail market: \u201cEverything we hear in the jewellery industry [suggests] this is a pretty strong performance,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Total sales slipped 0.1% to \u00a3217m at the group, which operates 56 Beaverbrooks and four Loupe stores as well as 22 outlets for specific brands including watchmakers Omega, Breitling, Tudor and TAG Heuer.<\/p>\n
Blackburn said she wanted to see the government help boost consumer confidence and provide stability by tackling unemployment and inflation and not adding new taxes in next month\u2019s budget as retailers prepare for Christmas.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201c[The government] can\u2019t increase business costs much more. Give business a bit of a break and stimulate some growth and confidence. A long-term, joined-up strategy is critical.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blackburn said Beaverbrooks was outperforming its rivals in tough conditions as it continued to invest in its stores and staff, modernising its online operation and developing new products.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur business has remained strong for 107 years because we believe in the high street and the importance of exceptional products and customer service.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group has just opened its fourth Loupe watch boutique, in Sheffield, and is investing in revamping its outlets in Manchester\u2019s Trafford Centre and Lakeside in Essex in the year ahead.<\/p>\n
Blackburn\u2019s comments come after the since-departed boss of the John Lewis department store<\/a> chain, Peter Ruis, said the chancellor\u2019s budget would come at a \u201ccritical period\u201d for retailers and he wanted to see more help on business rates<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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