Duty Free Crystal, which primarily stocks supplies from Swarovski UK, has been trading under various guises in St Peter Port for nearly 40 years and is currently based in the Arcade.
Proprietor Matt Patterson said he was disappointed with the news.
‘Perhaps we had too much of the online market share which didn’t fit with Swarovski UK’s future strategy,’ he said, while also adding that he felt disappointment in the way that Swarovski conducted its business.
‘We were informed of their decision by a junior member of staff via a Zoom call,’ Mr Patterson said, emphasising how hurt he was by Swarovski’s 'appalling' method of communication over the account closure ‘considering the business' trading history of 39 years with Swarovski.’
Mr Patterson said he was confirming the news with a heavy heart.
‘Having started a standalone Swarovski store 18 years ago, then subsequently a multi-brand store, the business has been a prominent feature in St Peter Port retail, first trading as Notre Monde in the Arcade 39 years ago.’
Following a lengthy stint in the Pollet, Duty Free Crystal relocated to the Arcade in 2018, and was the island’s main supplier of Swarovski products.
The business enjoyed success, and its website was awarded Swarovski’s Omi online channel of the year only recently.
It therefore came as a surprise and a disappointment to Mr Patterson that he would be forced to close down his business.
He was unsure what his immediate future plans were, and at this time was more worried for his staff, who were soon set to be out of work. He also paid tribute to both online and offline customers and was sorry to have to disappoint long-standing supporters.
Duty Free Crystal will remain open in the Arcade until 8 February, with discounts on all remaining stock.
. No reason for the account closure has been given. Swarovski has been approached for comment.
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