An award-winning independent jewellers in Altrincham is to close after almost 12 years, with its owners blaming declining footfall for making the business increasingly difficult to sustain.
Diadem Jewellery, based on Stamford New Road, will close its doors for the final time on November 30.
Owners Daniel Monks and Elizabeth Agius, who launched the business in December 2014 after both being made redundant, described the decision as "incredibly difficult".
The pair, who have been friends and colleagues for 20 years, will begin a closing-down sale this Saturday (October 10), with discounts across their range of sterling silver jewellery.
Daniel and Elizabeth opened Diadem on December 14, 2014, using their redundancy payments and personal savings to establish a business specialising in affordable jewellery, with a particular emphasis on handmade pieces from British designers.
The shop also stocked its own Diadem collection, created in-store by Daniel, and was an early adopter of cryptocurrency payments, becoming one of the first British high street jewellers to accept Bitcoin. In 2017, Diadem was named Retailer of the Year.
But despite building a loyal customer base and earning consistently positive reviews, the pair say the decline in passing trade on Stamford New Road has ultimately made the business unsustainable.
"Sadly, we've reached the point where we can no longer continue," they said.
"It's been an incredibly difficult decision to bring our time in Altrincham to an end. Unfortunately, the reduced footfall on Stamford New Road has made it increasingly difficult for us to continue trading."
For Daniel, whose family has been associated with Altrincham for more than a century, the closure is particularly poignant.
"Altrincham is a very special place to us. My family has been in Altrincham for over 100 years, and I truly love the town and have always been proud to be part of its community.
"We were also incredibly proud to win Retailer of the Year in 2017, which was a wonderful recognition of the support we have received from local people."
The pair also paid tribute to the customers who have supported the business over the years.
"We have been extremely lucky to have had such amazing customers. So many people have supported us, not only by shopping with us but by continuing to support independent businesses and the town itself.
"We really cannot thank them enough for their loyalty, support and friendship over the years."
