Pearls are back and trade is steady

It was a year of easy-going trading at Smales Jewellers, who celebrated their first anniversary at a new address.

Smales moved from their premises on Victoria Street and reopened on Prinsep Street on December 10, 2011.

One year on, Smales owner Tony Smales said while it was not a year of record breaking sales, it was an “all right year’’.

“We do have a little bit of competition with online trading,” he said.

“We’re probably in a lucky position in that people like to touch and see jewellery before buying it.

“While there have been some effects, it has been minimal for us.’’

Mr Smales said it was a great decision to move from their previous place on Victoria Street.

“This is our own building and we’ve spent time making it what it is,’’ he said.

For 2013, Mr Smales said he hoped to hold more VIP nights, possibly get Miss Universe Australia to Bunbury and host the Smales 75th anniversary collection at some point during the year.

“We’ll also be taking on another apprentice this year,’’ he said.

“Trade has been quite good and I see no reason for it to alter.’’

One of the trends from Smales Bunbury in 2012 was pearls made a come back, especially in younger customers.

“We sold a beautiful strand of pearls to a 22-year-old just before Christmas,’’ Mr Smales said.