Retail: Dipples Jewellers
However, in early summer of last year the Managing Director, Trevor Salt, wanted to retire. So, he reached out to Chris Ellis from Dipples Jewellers, who already has well established outlets in Norwich and Dereham, to enquire whether they would be interested in taking over the lease.
Indeed they were, and the new Dipples Bury store officially opened its doors on Saturday 22 October in time for Christmas.
Chris Ellis is Managing Director of the family business and the fifth generation to run Dipples. He said: “When Trevor Salt approached us to expand our existing business into Suffolk, it seemed like the perfect fit for Dipples, given our similar history and brand. It would have also been a real shame not to continue the heritage of a jewellery business occupying the building at no 14.
“Prior to the takeover, Dipples had previously worked with Thurlow Champness as a repair partner, so a past relationship between the two of us already existed.”
He added: “The plan is to continue with business as usual, including re-employing most members of staff from the existing team. A rebrand to Dipples was necessary, but that was about it.
“The brands that customers have come to love in Bury St Edmunds will remain the same, including British watch brands Bremont, Gucci, Longines, Baume & Mercier, Rado and Seiko, as well as George Jenson and Fope jewellery.”
Dipples was founded in Essex in 1878 by George Henry Dipple. It then moved to Norfolk with the branch opening around 1895 in Swan Lane, Norwich, where it has remained as one of the county’s most prestigious jewellers ever since. The Dereham branch was opened in 1963.
“We are fiercely proud of our reputation and of our family heritage.” Chris continued, “for 145 years, Dipples the jewellers have specialised in timeless contemporary classics, fashion must-haves and opulent ornate pieces for all of life’s special occasions. We have built connections to some of the largest names in the Watch and Jewellery worlds.
“We’re all about understanding the emotions behind purchases, as this helps us find the perfect jewellery gift for our clients. This is the reason why the majority of our business comes through referrals from our existing customers.”
GET IN TOUCH
For more information visit: www.dipples.com
Main photo shows James Mack, Chris Ellis, Heather Friend, Jack Ives-Keeler and David Head outside Dipples Bury
