Owners of established jewellers Portique, of East Street in Wimborne, have announced the shop’s closure.
To celebrate many successful years of business, the store is hosting a spectacular closing-down sale which will see all jewellery, including diamonds, coloured stones, and gold pieces, reduced by 50 per cent.
Portique was established in 1971 by the late R E Porter, great uncle of the current owner Neil Harkness. Husband and wife Neil and Elizabeth Harkness, pictured, took the reins in 1997 when the business was located in Bournemouth’s Criterion Arcade.
The store was relocated to Wimborne in 2003 when the arcade was redeveloped.
A family business in the truest sense of the word, Portique quickly became a popular store in the heart of the Wimborne retail community.
Neil and Elizabeth have run Portique, with help from a dedicated team of staff and their three daughters, for more than 25 years. Renowned for a personal service and exceptional quality, its knowledgeable team is headed up by Neil who has worked in the jewellery industry for more than 50 years.
His extensive experience has included working for luxury retailer Mappin and Webb where he was based in their London stores, including their Harrods concession.
From there, Neil went on to establish himself as a respected independent buyer and seller of fine jewellery and silverware. The couple eventually settled in the South West where they made the decision to purchase Portique due to its longstanding family connections.
Said Neil: “The decision to close the business hasn’t been easy, but after such a wonderful career, I am ready to retire and spend more time with my family.
“It’s been a privilege to be involved with so many special occasions in our customers’ lives and that really has been the most special part of my career.”
Elizabeth added: “Portique has been a great place to be, with a fabulous customer base and hugely supportive staff who are an integral part of the Portique family.
“We will be very sad to say goodbye.”
The retirement sale at Portique will continue until all stock is sold. All jewellery in the sale will be reduced by 50%, giving customers old and new an opportunity to bag a real bargain.
Sale items will include diamond pieces, engagement rings, necklaces, coloured stone pieces, wedding rings, earrings, bracelets, pearl jewellery and more. All stock will be sold on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, with all items available to take away on the day.
Portique is located at 42 East Street, Wimborne.