• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

News and entertainment worth sharing – York and North Yorkshire

  • News
  • Things to do
  • Radio
  • Vouchers
  • Categories
    • Business
  • More
    • Comments
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
Castle Howard summer concerts 19 - 21 August
Castle Howard summer concerts 19 - 21 August
Castle Howard summer concerts 19 - 21 August
Castle Howard summer concerts 19 - 21 August

Leaving York after 72 years: Family-run shop goes online only

Going from Goodramgate: Frank Wood in RA Braithwaite jeweller
Tuesday 2 October, 2018 @ 3.43 pm Business, Shopping YorkMix
Share via...

A business that opened shortly after the end of the Second World War will soon vanish from York city centre.

Jewellers RA Braithwaite is closing its Goodramgate shop as owners Frank and Dianne Wood go digital only.

Braithwaite’s will continue sell jewellery, watches and clocks, book in repairs and offer valuations – but all through the website.

And to mark the transition, the shop is holding a major sale, with big discounts on all lines.

YorkMix vouchers - save 50%
YorkMix vouchers - save 50%
YorkMix vouchers - save 50%
YorkMix Vouchers #ad

Future proofing the business

The shop on Goodramgate
RA Braithwaite’s online business has already proved a success with fairly minimal intervention and investment, Frank said.

This move to solely online retailing will “enable the business to be future-proof and continue to build the brand of RA Braithwaite for years to come,” he added.

The website already sells to Europe, the USA, Australia and beyond. It is to be updated and you can also follow the business on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


RA Braithwaite will continue to operate a collection and delivery service for most customers, including for battery replacements.

Frank said: “We would like to thank all of our clients and customers for their continuous and loyal support over the last 72 years and we plan to maintain the service of their needs over the next 72 years!”

How it all began

This postcard shows Gillygate in the 1940s
Reginald Arthur Braithwaite was an instrument maker and rear gunner in the RAF during the war.

When he was demobbed in 1946 he applied his instrument repair skills to clocks and watches, founding RA Braithwaite. Together with his wife Joyce, he began by renting a small shop in Gillygate.

Here he cut up and draped one of her black silk petticoats over some empty boxes in the window, and displayed some of her jewellery.

The company quickly expanded to eight shops situated across York, Driffield, Scarborough and Bishop Auckland, and was primarily driven through a high volume of trade repairs including those from the most York retailers.

The company also grew a strong postal business with orders coming in from all over the country.

Reginald Braithwaite’s meticulous attention to detail saw him regularly visit all the shops to ensure customer service remained at a high standard.

Sadly, he died aged only 61. However his wife, daughter and son-in-law continued the momentum of the business to where it is today.

Related YorkMix stories
  • Video: Hey presto! Shambles Harry Potter shop doubles in size
  • ‘A leading team’ – York finance firm gains prestigious new status
  • ‘Heroes of the High Street’: City leaders unite behind campaign to save York shops

Footer

YorkMix
News 01904 848 766
Email YorkMix news »
5-6 King's Court, Shambles, York  YO1 7LD
YorkMix Radio
General enquiries 01904 375 029
Studio/competitions 01904 375 030
Email YorkMix Radio »
Selby Superbowl, Bawtry Road, Selby  YO8 8NA
YorkMix is a trading name of YorkMix Media Ltd
Registered in England
Company number: 07814727
VAT number: 154 0364 34
© York Sound Ltd

Copyright © 2022 YorkMix Media Ltd

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT