A WINCHESTER jewellers has closed after nearly two decades of trading, partially blaming the Christmas market for disrupting trade.

Justice Jewellers in Parchment Street follows several other recent retail closures in the city.

In a statement, owner Jon Quayle said: “After 18 years of happy trading in, delivering cutting edge designer jewellery and brilliant bespoke commissions for our lovely client base, I have had to take the very difficult decision to close the doors at Justice.

“The retail world has changed hugely over the last decade and we are no longer able to sustain our shop in the current economic climate.

“April 2016 was a significant turning point in our business, with the armed robbery that you will have read about or seen on the TV, if indeed you weren’t caught up in the horrendous traffic jam it caused. From then the pressure has been on.

“As many other retailers are abandoning the bricks for clicks, Justice too will still be with you – albeit in a very different guise – watch this space.

“And thank you, thank you, thank you, for all your custom, support, love and generosity over the years.”

When asked whether business rates or rent had an impact on the decision, Jon added: “We could have had some help from the rates and rent side, but the biggest impact relating to the council was the Christmas market.

“The city was filled with retailers from out of town supplying cheap goods to shoppers from out of town. They blocked the streets and the car parks and my traditional Christmas customer voted with their feet to shop away from Winchester.

“That was the trade I rely on as an independent, original, characterful retailer that made Winchester an interesting place to shop.

“I comfortably predict I will not be the last independent retailer to close their doors this year.”

In a statement, the city council said: “It is always sad to see shops close and the Council is committed to offering support to independent businesses and smaller chains. The Council also offers a business support service and business grants which help small businesses to plan for their future and gain new customers.

The Christmas Market and Ice Rink are run by Winchester Cathedral and attract many visitors to the city. The Council works closely with Winchester Business Improvement District and Winchester Cathedral to ensure that ‘Christmas in Winchester’ benefits all retailers.”

Catherine Turness, executive director of Winchester Business Improvement District, said: “There is certainly a view from members who sell high-end products that the Christmas Market visitors are a different clientele to their usual customers and so it is important the key policy makers work with the Cathedral and the BID and continue to make investments in improving access to encourage regular shoppers and customers to continue to visit at this crucial time of year for our members.”

As reported in the Chronicle, Justice Jewellers was targeted by three men who carried out an armed robbery and in less than 10 minutes stole £250,000 worth of watches and jewellery.

Two of the men wearing motorcycle helmets went inside the store in the dramatic raid while a third man waited in a getaway van.

The incident brought Winchester city centre to a standstill as police cordoned off Parchment Street and part of St George’s Street.

David George, 21, Domingo Nsita, 29, and Joshua Tiloye, 22, were later jailed for 32 years.

Justice Jewellers joins a number of other well-known and independent brands who have closed down or left the city, including Shoon on the High Street and Jones Bootmaker in The Square in recent months.

In July last year, fashion retailer Cadogan and Co, which has been in business for more than 20 years, also on The Square, went into administration.

But Turtle Bay recently opened its doors at the former Toni and Guy site last month and TK Maxx are also set to open a new shop in The Brooks Shopping Centre in March.

Tesco has also moved into the unit where River Island used to sit on the High Street. It opened on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, The Ivy restaurant is also set to open in the unit L.K Bennett once occupied on the High Street, creating 100 new jobs.