Jeweller C.W. Sellors Enters Administration After Cash Flow Squeeze

C.W. Sellors, a long-established family-run watch and jewellery retailer trading as C.W. Sellors, has entered administration, with Lee Causer and Ben Peterson of BDO appointed joint administrators on 13 January.

The appointment follows mounting cash flow pressure attributed to rising operating costs and weakened discretionary spending amid the cost-of-living crisis, despite recent investment in new manufacturing and training facilities. The business operated a multi-channel model, selling online and through 10 stores across the North of England and the Midlands, including locations in Whitby, York, Ashbourne, Bakewell, Matlock, and Shrewsbury.

As part of early restructuring steps, the administrators consolidated the group’s Whitby footprint into a single store under the W. Hamond brand, resulting in the closure of four sites. Thirty-six employees were made redundant with immediate effect, while approximately 50 staff have been retained on a temporary basis to support trading during the administration and a sale process.

Founded in 1979, C.W. Sellors positioned itself as a premium independent jeweller, offering fine jewellery and luxury watches alongside proprietary and UK-sourced gemstone collections, including Derbyshire Blue John and Whitby Jet. The retailer stocked a range of international watch and jewellery brands and also supplied members of the Company of Master Jewellers buying group.

The administrators said remaining stores continue to trade, although online sales have been paused. A buyer is being sought for all or part of the business as options are explored.