UK Jewellery Marketplace
In calendar 2007 the size of the total UK market for fine jewellery, costume jewellery and watches was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (“ONS”) to have been £4.5 billion ($9.0 billion) (including VAT of 17.5%), (2006: £4.5 billion). The ONS figure for market size replaces previous figures for market size which were based on management estimates and market research carried out by Key Note. While the ONS figure has been adopted, its reliability is uncertain. The jewellery market grew at an estimated compound rate of 4.7% per annum from 1997 to 2004. It declined by 4.0% in 2005, when the retail sector as a whole experienced the sharpest deterioration in trading conditions since 1991, with the jewellery sector being particularly affected. In 2006 the UK jewellery market returned to growth while 2007 was unchanged. Per capita spend on jewellery in the UK remains at approximately half of the level of the US. The market includes speciality retail jewellers and non-speciality jewellery retailers, such as mail order catalogues, catalogue showrooms and jewellery departments in department stores.
The UK retail jewellery market is very fragmented and competitive, with a substantial number of independent speciality jewellery retailers. Management believes there are just over 7,000 speciality retail jewellery stores in the UK.
Based on surveys, management believes that customers are attracted to H.Samuel because of its strong brand appeal as a speciality jeweller, that is differentiated by its customer service standards and staff knowledge. Ernest Jones attracts customers as a result of its diamond and watch expertise, exclusive and up to date merchandise and knowledgeable staff.
Market structure
In the middle market H.Samuel competes with a large number of independent jewellers, with only one having more than 100 stores. Some competition at the lower end of the H.Samuel product range also comes from a catalogue showroom operator, and discount jewellery retailers and supermarkets.
In the upper middle market Ernest Jones competes with independent speciality retailers and a limited number of other upper middle market jewellery brands, the largest three of which had 187, 62 and 31 stores respectively at 2 February 2008.