Whitby Jewellers Closes After Nearly Five Decades, 36 Staff Made Redundant
A cherished family-run jewellers in the historic seaside town of Whitby has ceased trading after an impressive 47 years in business, resulting in 36 staff members losing their jobs. The shop, known as Robert & Victoria, first opened its doors back in 1979 and became a staple for both local residents and visiting tourists, renowned for its presence amidst the cobbled streets and bustling atmosphere of Whitby's Old Town.
End of an Era for Whitby's Retail Landscape
On January 13, the business formally appointed administrators, marking a sad conclusion to its long-standing operation. The owners expressed their heartfelt gratitude to customers via a Facebook post, stating, "Thank you to all our lovely customers over the years! You’ve all been amazing! However you ended up in Robert & Victoria, you have all meant so much to me and my team over the years! I am truly going to miss you all and being a part of the Whitby Old Town hustle and bustle amongst the cobbles and neighbouring shops!"
This closure is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, concerning pattern affecting the UK's retail and business sectors in the early months of 2026.
Wider Context of UK Business Closures in 2026
The shutdown of Robert & Victoria occurs against a backdrop of increasing business failures across the country. According to recent reports, 19 companies have already collapsed into administration in 2026 alone, putting a staggering total of 5,443 jobs at risk of redundancy nationwide. This troubling trend spans various industries, highlighting vulnerabilities in the current economic climate.
High street retailers have been particularly hard-hit, with well-known names like Claire's and The Original Factory Shop among those affected. The construction and financial services sectors are also experiencing significant challenges, contributing to the overall job insecurity.
Notable Examples from the Hospitality and Jewellery Sectors
Further illustrating the scale of the issue, the popular restaurant chain TGI Fridays has already closed 16 locations, leading to 456 job losses. Similarly, within the jewellery industry itself, another firm, CW Sellors, has made 36 immediate redundancies while retaining 50 staff during a search for a buyer. These cases underscore the precarious situation facing many businesses and their employees as they navigate financial pressures and shifting market demands.
The closure of Robert & Victoria serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind these statistics, affecting not just the economy but the fabric of local communities like Whitby.
