“This is what the CMJ is all about”

The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) has set up a WhatsApp group for its retailer members, which aims to increase collaboration and communication between independent retail jewellers.

The virtual community on WhatsApp is a place for retailers to share best practice, feedback on products and to compare their own retail sales performance with other businesses across the UK and Ireland.

The WhatsApp group was launched in October and already has 34 participants, with more signing up every week.

Phil Ainsworth, director of Ainsworth Jewellers in Blackburn and a CMJ Board Director, said: “Coming out of a discussion at one of the CMJ’s GLN meetings, the new CMJ Retailer WhatsApp group is what the CMJ is all about – an area for networking, encouraging and questioning, as well as reassuring and helping make sure that whatever the day or customers throw at us there is on outlet to share. I would encourage all CMJ retailers to sign up and take advantage of it.”

Frances Hopes, Head of Marketing at the CMJ, said: “We know that independent retailers can often feel isolated, and this is a great place for them to come together on a more modern and efficient platform to share information and chat to peers in real time. The response so far has been fantastic, with daily activity and discussions taking place.”

Helen Molloy, Director of Forum Jewellers in Broadstone, Dorset, added: “I’ve been championing for a WhatsApp group for a long time, so I’m thrilled it’s been actioned by the CMJ.  Communication is key and the WhatsApp group enables a quick response. To be one message away from support and encouragement from my peers in the industry is invaluable when you are an independent business in tough times.”

Any CMJ retailers wishing to join the group should send a request with their mobile number to info@masterjewellers.co.uk.