Australian jewellery store open since Queen Victoria's reign forced to close its doors
It’s been around since Queen Victoria was the British monarch, but its reign as a long-serving, respected family business in Tasmania’s north-west is coming to an end.
Originally named E A Joyce and Son, now known as Joyce Jewellers is preparing to close its doors for the last time after being in continuous operation since 1893.
Current owner Jennifer Macartney said the downfall of the jewellery shop is due to a number of reasons, with the main being online shopping.
“People used to come into town just for shopping or an experience,” she said.
“They would come in on a regular basis … they’d look over all the stores and make their purchases.
“But now people seem to have a fixed idea of what they want when they come into town and buy it and go home again.”
Mrs Macartney is a fourth-generation member of the Joyce family, and inherited the business from her parents.
She has fond memories of running through the store as a child. Mrs Macartney, who is the great-granddaughter of founder Edward Joyce, took over the business in the ‘90s when the store had a team of 10 staff members and business was booming.
But as time went on, the store couldn’t keep up with the world’s advancements.
“The economic climate is not good at the moment and the outlook is not good unfortunately,” she said.
“I like to be optimistic, but it’s very difficult under these circumstances.
“People are not coming into town to shop as much as they used to.”
The store has a large fan base, with many taking to Facebook to voice their grievances over the closure.
“Sad to hear this. I have shopped there for years. In fact, still have the paperwork of authenticity for my engagement ring 48 years ago!” wrote Christine Winskill.
Debbie Cocks said: “Joyce’s Jewellers one of the very last of old school Burnie names and icons, so sad.”
“Wow how sad. I got my ears pierced there in 1978,” said Carol O’Neill.
Joyce Jewellers will close its doors on December 10.