Llanelli’s fortunes appear to be taking a turn for the better as more shops open up in the town. The Stepney Arcade has been partly occupied for a number of years but now with a dramatic makeover it has attracted new businesses including a leading jeweller with almost 50 years experience in the business. Leslie Gilbert and his partner Ken have opened up a brand new shop selling jewellery, which starts at a modest £10 and goes up in range to some items costing thousands of pounds. Llanelli Online went to the official opening of the shop by Nia Griffith MP on Saturday (Nov 4).
Also in attendance were the President of Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce David Darkin and Deputy Mayor Louvain Roberts. The Deputy Mayor performed the cutting of the ribbon at Manor Estates another new business in the arcade while Nia Griffith MP cut the ribbon at Leslie Gilbert Jewellers.
The new jewellers shop sells bespoke jewellery and also offers repairs including repairs to specialist items such as grandfather and grandmother clocks. Leslie said: “What people can expect is a bespoke personal service from independent jewellers with 50 years experience. We chose Llanelli because my partner is originally from the town. We hope that people take the time to come in and see the wealth of products we offer. The arcade is looking great and it has brought a much needed boost to this area of town.
“We are running a promotion up until Christmas. At present we are offering 30% off purchase price. We are also offering one lucky customer a bottle of bubbly for being the 200th customer to make a purchase before Christmas. We have dockets so we know exactly when that number is hit.
“It was wonderful to have Nia Griffith MP here today showing her support. We are looking forward to the winter carnival and welcoming people to the shop who might be looking for that very special gift.. We were also grateful to have the wonderful pianist Tim Valentine here today entertaining the shoppers.”
Speaking to Llanelli Online Nia Griffith MP said: “It was a great pleasure this morning to be opening new businesses in the Arcade, off Stepney St in Llanelli Town centre. Deputy Mayor Louvain Roberts opened Manor Estates, established by Tracy and Tony Colarusso, and I opened Leslie Gilbert Jewellers, set up by Leslie and his partner Ken. These are just the sort of initiatives that we need to breathe new life into the Arcade and bring in some elegance and sparkle. I would like to thank John Trowbridge for his vision in buying and doing up the Arcade…you can already begin to see the difference his commitment and hard work is making. And many thanks too to Crwbin Silver Band whose harmonious sounds helped attract people into the Arcade.”
Leslie Gilbert Jewellers is open Monday to Saturday and is located in the Stepney Arcade.
