Gem of a year for veteran jewellers

Hammon Diamond Jeweller owner Julie Hammon. Photo/George Novak

Iconic Tauranga business Hammon Diamond Jeweller is in celebration mode as it acknowledges 30 years trading from its Grey St site in the city centre and clocks up another 12 months of successful trading.

Owner Julie Hammon (pictured) said its transactions were 12 per cent higher last month compared to December 2014, and she was excited about the future.

The long-established family company had been going for more than 60 years but she had a close affinity with Downtown Tauranga and was a passionate advocate.

"The feel is positive and I think we have a great future to look forward to with all the exciting developments that are happening in the CBD.

"I am sure all the hard times we have had to struggle with over the last few years are behind us."

Its "wonderful December trading figures" were reflective of customers moving back downtown, she said, as it had unique retailers and "a lovely feel to it".

Delys Williams from Langtons Lingerie, which was also based in the CBD, said business had definitely improved on last year and it's been a very good December.

Carmen Hall