York jewellers R A Braithwaite to close after 72 years

R A Braithwaite in Goodramgate will close its doors as its owners, Frank and Dianne Wood, retire from the high street and move their business solely online via their existing online platform.

Mr Wood said the business was formed in 1946 when Reginald Arthur Braithwaite was ‘demobbed’ from the RAF after the Second World War, during which he had served as an instrument maker and rear gunner.

“Starting out by renting a small shop in Gillygate, he draped his wife’s black silk petticoat in the window, displaying some of her jewellery and thereby attracting a jewellery, watch and clock repair service,” he said.

“The company quickly expanded to eight shops situated across York, Driffield, Scarborough and Bishop Auckland, and was primarily driven through a high volume of trade repairs.

“Reginald’s meticulous attention to detail saw him touring all shops frequently to ensure the quality output was of an exceptionally high standard.

“Sadly, he died at a very young age of 61 however his wife, daughter and son-in-law continued the momentum of the business to where it is today.”

Mr Wood said that in light of the current success of its online business, the company was now moving solely to online retailing, continuing to build the R A Braithwaite brand for years to come.

Mr Wood, a former chairman of York Retail Forum, said he would continue as a director of York BID (Business Improvement District), as chairman of the Institute of Registered Valuers, which maintains the standards of jewellery valuations, and as a committee member of the National Association of Jewellers.

He said he and Dianne would also continue as trustees of several charities.

“We would like to thank all of our clients and customers for their continuous and loyal support over the last 72 years and we plan to maintain the service of their needs over the next 72 years,” he added.