Sadness in the city as Shannon’s closes its doors and auctions stock

There was great sadness in Lisburn last week when it was revealed that popular jeweller Shannon’s would be closing its doors for the final time.
Shannon's JewellersShannon's Jewellers
Shannon's Jewellers

The shop has been in the heart of the city since 1962, with three generations of the family running the business.

Owner Mervyn Shannon admitted it was a difficult decision to close the shop, which sits on the corner of Market Square North, a landmark in the city centre.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, having been located in Lisburn City Centre for almost 60 years,” said Mr Shannon.

“We always pride ourselves on giving our customers the best quality service however, unfortunately the pandemic has highlighted the need for us to close Shannon’s Jewellers in Lisburn.

“We sincerely want to thank our customers who have supported us as a family business over the years and generations.

“We have always delighted in being a part of your lives and memory making, be it buying a first watch, choosing an engagement ring to start a life together or perhaps purchasing gifts for those you love the most.

“Finally, a huge thank you to our staff, both current and in the past who have worked so meticulously and with dedication, creating the experience that Shannon’s customers have come to know and appreciate over the years. We are glad to have had you become a part of our family and will always be here to help you.”

Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson expressed his disappointment that the store was closing.

“It is hugely disappointing news for Lisburn that Shannon’s Jewellers is closing,” said Sir Jeffrey.

“This business has become an institution in Lisburn over the years and the Shannon family have done so much to promote the interests of Lisburn during that time.

“Many businesses have suffered during the ongoing Covid pandemic and this will be devastating news for many that we are losing such a prominent business in the city centre.

“I am in regular contact with the Chamber of Commerce and the Council to see what further measures can be taken to support our struggling retail sector during these challenging times.”

The Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh, Councillor Nicholas Trimble, who has a very special connection to the jewellers, also expressed sadness at the closure of the family business.

“It is a terrible shame,” said Mr Trimble. “Shannon’s family shop had been there for many years and my wife’s engagement ring comes from Shannon’s.

“It is really sad that Mervyn has to close the doors and it is a real loss to the city.

“It is part and parcel of the impact that Covid has had on our town centres.

“I really hope that we can bounce back and the council will do all it can to support businesses like Shannon’s.”

The President of the Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, Garry MacDonald, said he was saddened by the closure but also stressed that there were also new businesses opening in Lisburn.

“Lisburn Chamber of Commerce is very saddened to hear of the closure of Shannon’s Jewellers,” said Mr MacDonald.

“Shannon’s has long been an anchor store in Market Square and Mervyn, his staff and the generation before them, have diligently served the Lisburn community over the last 60 years.

“Mervyn served as President of the Chamber from 2005-2007 and was dedicated in his role to serve other chamber members and support the local business community in general.

“Even though it may appear that businesses are closing almost every month on the ‘High Street’, here in Lisburn we are quietly encouraged by what we are witnessing. The reality is, we have welcomed four new businesses to Lisburn, who have just opened or plan to open in a matter of weeks.

“Taylor Patterson Estate Agents in Bow Street, Island Garden Rooms in Longstone Street and also Running Bubble and Geek Retreat, both in Lisburn Square. There is optimism out there within our hard-working business owners and a willingness from our local community to be seen to support our City Centre by buying local whenever possible.

“We can say this with some confidence because last Friday we launched a Public Survey (https://forms.gle/NUXJq6V3TG8dUCJs5) through the Chamber facebook page, asking what people like best about Lisburn and what they want to see come to Lisburn. We would encourage the public to complete the survey and give us their thoughts and ideas. To date we have had over 500 responses and are a little overwhelmed but excited with the sheer number of unique suggestions and ideas to build Lisburn back stronger as we start to come out of the Covid lockdown.”

Stock from Shannon’s will be auctioned off by Wilson’s auctions this month, which will see thousands of brand-new pieces of jewellery and watches across 1,400 Lots, going under the virtual hammer over the coming weeks.

Offering a mix of bulk and single items, the auction will appeal to both jewellery traders, wishing to invest in fresh stock ahead of the easing of restrictions, as well as individual buyers looking to invest in new designer watches.

Items will include 9ct and 18ct diamond, emerald, sapphire, ruby pieces including cluster, eternity and single stone rings, wedding rings and bands, platinum diamond rings as well as earrings, chains, pendants and bracelets.

Men’s cufflinks, ladies and gents Raymond Weil, Tag Heuer and Gucci watches and much more will also be included.

Wilsons Auctions contracts director, Craig Walker, said: “We are pleased to have been instructed by Shannon’s Jewellers to manage the disposal of its stock and contents by auction.

“As a fellow long-standing family business in Northern Ireland, it is important to offer our expert services and a hassle-free experience to support the team as they navigate through this business decision.

“The series of auctions will offer a unique draw to jewellery traders in that all of the items are brand new stock and we would encourage potential bidders to register early to avoid any disappointment.”

The contents of the shop will also be auctioned during a separate sale.

More details about upcoming auctions can be found on www.shannonsjewellers.co.uk/