Family values - From one family to another
12 Oct 2022
Allum & Sidaway announce the purchase of Drakes Jewellers of Plymouth.
Jason Allum will soon be taking over the reins of Drakes as Allum & Sidaway welcome the Plymouth jewellers into their portfolio.
Drakes, an independent family jewellers est. 1950 and situated in Drakes Circus Shopping Centre, is being sold by John, Eva, Andrew and Monique Hirshman. The Hirshman family made the difficult decision to transfer the business to Allum and Sidaway to enable them to retire and explore new opportunities, as it became clear that there was no succession for the business.
Based in Plymouth with a prestigious history of 72 years in the city, Drakes have been one of the leading, local jewellers throughout this time. Founded by the late Harry Hirshman in 1950, Harry’s son John joined the business in 1954, becoming Managing Director in 1975 upon Harry’s retirement. John is currently joined by his son Andrew and daughter Monique; all of course very well known and respected within the industry. From the very first day of trading, right through to the present day their ethos and values have remained the same.
Andrew Hirshman comments,
“Dad, Monique and I feel very privileged to know that the business we have built as a family over the past 72 years will live on under new ownership. Drakes has always been a huge part of our family and it was an extremely difficult decision to decide to take a step back. It’s very reassuring to know that Jason will be taking on Drakes and we are so excited to see the next chapter for the store under the Allum and Sidaway umbrella. It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the jewellery industry and on behalf of the family I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout our incredible journey.”
Allum & Sidaway, operating 5 stores across the South West are currently celebrating their 80th anniversary year.
Jason Allum comments,
"Both businesses, long standing members of the CMJ, have grown in different ways over the decades, but both have always maintained similar family values, company ethos and passion about the customer experience. We've worked as colleagues for the CMJ, and we've admired and respected the Hirshman families' achievements for so many years and it's sad to mark the end of that chapter. But it's equally a very exciting time for us. Drakes really excel in many areas and thus we are keen to see what we can learn from each other."
The transition will be finalised in mid October.
Source: Drakes Jewellers of Plymouth and Allum and Sidaway