Wallace Bishop jewellery celebrates 100 years

3.3 k views | Posted August 16, 2017 | By Talia Paz • Staff Journalist

Jewellery chain Wallace Bishop has commenced its centenary celebrations this month, with the business providing an example of the local industry’s resilience to the changing retail environment.

The milestone event was marked at the retailer’s flagship store in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall on Thursday 10 August, where customers, staff and the local community were invited to celebrate.

The birthday party included diamond giveaways, prizes and entertainment, as well as an appearance by Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

Founded by the original Wallace Bishop in 1917, the family-owned and operated business is now managed by third, fourth and fifth generations, with great-grandson Stuart Bishop serving as CEO.

Bishop said the retailer would continue to celebrate with additional giveaways and “mystery events” throughout the remainder of the year.

“In September, Wallace Bishop is partnering with Brisbane Festival and will be hosting the first ever Wallace Bishop treasure hunt, where the public will have the opportunity to find one of 100 diamonds hidden at locations throughout the festival,” Bishop added.

Challenging the status quo

The jewellery chain has understandably evolved considerably since it was established.

“It was a milestone that we even opened – World War One was raging but our small family business of three started repairs and manufacturing and we just grew from there,” Bishop said, adding that the business now had 50 stores and more than 500 employees.

Bishop acknowledged there had been many obstacles over the years, including two World Wars, the Great Depression, economic downturns and the Global Financial Crisis.

Further commenting on the challenges, Bishop said,"We have tackled and embraced the rise of the shopping centre during the 20th century and of course more recently, the internet revolution.

"We are used to changing with our customer's buying behaviours but ultimately we create relationships; we strive for customers for life."

Bishop added Wallace Bishop’s survival could be credited to its local team and expertise.

“As a family business, we look to our team members as an extended family,” Bishop said.

“We’ve never given in to international outsourcing because we value local knowledge and experience and feel it is important to support the people who have supported us.”

Wallace Bishop was founded in Brisbane and has 50 stores throughout Queensland and NSW. It also acquired jewellery retailer Hardy Brothers in 1997.