God, I hate writing these stories. Another local gem disappearing from our high streets. And this one's been around since Queen Victoria was on teh throne!
G Hewitt & Son jewellers in Grimsby has just announced what they're calling a "once-in-a-lifetime" closing down sale, and I'm genuinely gutted about it. This place isn't just any old shop - we're talking about one of the UK's very first Rolex retailers with records showing they were selling these luxury timepieces as far back as 1919.
The final countdown begins...
The doors swing open for their last hurrah at 10am this Saturday (April 26th). Everything - and I mean EVERYTHING - must go. We're talking a whopping 50% off all jewellery and up to 30% off watches. My colleague Emma's already planning to be there at 9am sharp to queue up. "I've always wanted something from Hewitt's," she texted me last night. "Sad it had to be like this."
I actually visited the iconic Victoria Street store back in 2018 while researching an article on family businesses. Spent about $400 on a bracelet for my mum's 60th that I definitely couldn't afford at the time. Worth every penny though.
Five generations of bling
Jonathan Hewitt - the current owner and great-grandson of founder George - has made the difficult decision to retire. Can't blame him. The man first stepped behind that counter when he was just 16!
In true family tradition, his daughter Christina later joined as Head of Operations, making them the fifth generation to serve the people of Grimsby. That's insane when you think about it... how many businesses stay in the same family for that long anymore?
Listen. This isn't just about watches and rings. It's about history.
Wait... did they actually know Hans Wilsdorf?!
The whole thing started way back in 1871 when George Hewitt, a local farmer with a talent for fixing clocks and pocket watches, set up shop at 80 Victoria Street. And get this - it's rumored he actually knew Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf personally! Jonathan still owns two vintage Rolex watches from 1919 and 1933, both stamped with both the Rolex and G. Hewitt & Son names.
That's like owning a piece of horological history.
The store moved to fancier premises at 10 Victoria Street in 1939, right as WWII was kicking off. While two of Jonathan's uncles joined up to serve (one RAF, one Royal Marines), his dad Arthur stayed behind with his mum to keep the family business going.
The team that became family
I spoke with a regular customer yesterday who's been shopping there for 30+ years. "It's not just the beautiful things they sell," she told me, fighting back tears. "It's the way they treat you. They remember your name, your anniversary dates... they're just special people."
Jonathan clearly feels the same way about his staff. Several members of his current team have been with the business for decades. Their store manager, Peter Booker, has been there for almost 40 years and is a qualified Gemologist (a Fellow of the Gemmological Association, no less).
"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible team, both past and present, as well as to our loyal customers who have made it a joy to serve over the years," Jonathan said in a statement that made me reach for a tissue, not gonna lie.
The high street bloodbath continues
G Hewitt & Son isn't alone in its struggle. The Watches of Switzerland Group recently confirmed it's closing 16 showrooms nationwide, with around 40 people expected to leave the business.
Terence Lett Jewellers in Witney, Oxfordshire, has also announced it's shutting up shop. And customers of Jane Allen Jewellers in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, are reportedly devastated by their closure announcement.
I feel stupid now for not appreciating these places more while they were thriving. My gran always said "use it or lose it" about local shops. She was right, as usual.
Fancy owning a piece of Grimsby history?
If you want to grab something special from this iconic store before it's gone forever, their Facebook post says it all: "Everything must go – don't miss out on huge savings! We are currently closed as we prepare for the biggest sale in our 154-year history. Sale continues while stock lasts. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of our legacy."
154 years of history... gone in a flash.
As Jonathan himself put it: "We've had an astonishing run, 154 years is not a bad innings, is it? It's been an absolute privilege to be part of, and also such an integral piece of Grimsby's High Street history, but it is the right time for us to close the doors, knowing we are going out on a high."
I'm definitely going to try and make it to that sale. Not just for the bargains, but to say goodbye to a little piece of British retail history.
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