Chisholm Hunter ‘may expand’ amid strong turnover

Jeweller Chisholm Hunter said it is “continuously looking for expansion opportunities” both in its current and new locations after achieving record turnover in the year to March.

The company, which has 24 stores across the UK including 13 in Scotland, reported revenue growth of almost 19 per cent, reaching £29.6 million in the 12-month period. Pre-tax profits reached £3.5m, up from £2.7m the previous year.

The Glasgow-headquartered firm said it opened four stores last year, including an outlet in Edinburgh’s Gyle shopping centre, which created ten full- and part-time jobs. Chisholm Hunter also flagged the growth of its Glasgow-based support centre, which has doubled in size in the past 12 months.

Additionally the company said the “significant” growth in its UK retail estate led to its staff numbers increasing to 221 compared to 161 in 2013.

Harry Brown, managing director and the firm’s gemmologist, highlighted the business’ focus on the customer.

He added: “We have a strong employee retention performance, which is attributed to guiding principles of continued investment in training and commitment to supporting self-development.”

Brown, who acquired the Chisholm Hunter brand and heritage in 1989, added: “In this year alone we’ve doubled spend on training with the launch of a state-of-the-art training suite, where we deliver a range of high quality programmes including the industry gold standard qualification, jewellery education and training, from the National Association of Goldsmiths.

“Our mission is about creating everlasting memories with an exceptional customer experience.”

He added that the firm’s stores “are increasingly supported by our website, in which we invested significantly last year, to expand its capabilities and to capitalise on its potential as a key growth channel for the business”.

The heritage of the company, which focuses on diamonds but in its range also includes premium Swiss timepiece brands, dates back to 1857 when a store of “10,000 Wonders” opened its Victorian doors on Chisholm Street in Glasgow.

The company was named multiple retailer of the year for the last three consecutive years by the UK Watch and Jewellery Awards, and was shortlisted in the Scottish SME of the year category in the Scottish Business Awards 2015.