Popular jeweller with 47-year high street history on the brink of collapse as its owner calls in administrators
A MUCH-LOVED high street jeweller with nearly half a century of history has been plunged into uncertainty after filing a notice to appoint an administrator.
CW Sellors, a family-run chain famous for selling everything from sparkling engagement rings to high-end designer watches, is fighting for its future.
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The news comes as a hammer blow to the high street, specifically in Derbyshire, Shropshire, and North Yorkshire where the chain operatesCredit: Alamy
The company has filed a formal notice of intention to appoint administrators, signalling severe financial distress for the historic brand.
The legal move, filed on January 12, 2026, acts as a desperate shield for the business.
By filing this notice, the company immediately halts any debt collection or legal action from people it owes money to, buying crucial time to save the firm.
Bosses now have a strict 10-day window to find a white knight investor or a new buyer to rescue the business.
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The news comes as a hammer blow to the high street, specifically in Derbyshire, Shropshire, and North Yorkshire where the chain operates.
The company currently runs five popular boutiques in Ashbourne, Bakewell, Matlock, Shrewsbury, and Whitby.
Founded 47 years ago, CW Sellors has built a reputation as a leading independent jeweller.
For decades, it has been the go-to destination for locals looking for fine diamonds, precious gemstones, and a “truly memorable shopping experience.”
The retailer is also a major stockist for some of the world’s most luxurious watch brands.
Their cabinets are stocked with premium names including TAG Heuer, Breitling, IWC Schaffhausen, Gucci, and Faberge, making them a heavyweight in the luxury market.
Despite the gloomy financial headlines, the company has insisted it remains “fully operational” for the time being.
Staff are continuing to serve customers, and the jeweller is urging shoppers to get in touch with their friendly team for advice.
In a bid to keep trading moving, the retailer is still taking bookings for its personalised appointment services.
Customers can currently still arrange private viewings for luxury items either in-store or via virtual video calls online.
This potential collapse is the latest in a long line of struggles for British retailers battling rising costs and changing shopping habits.
CW Sellors was contacted for comment.
What does going into administration mean?
WHEN a company enters into administration, all control is passed to an appointed administrator.
The administrator has to leverage the company’s assets and business to repay creditors any outstanding debts.
Once a company enters administration, a “moratorium” is put in place which means no legal action can be taken against it.
Administrators write to your creditors and Companies House to say they’ve been appointed.
They try to stop the company from being liquidated (closing down), and if it can’t it pays as much of a company’s debts from its remaining assets.
The administrator has eight weeks to write a statement explaining what they plan to do to move the business forward.
This must be sent to creditors, employees and Companies House and invite them to approve or amend the plans at a meeting.
A Notice of Intention is used to inform concerning parties that a company intends to enter administration.
It is a physical document which is submitted to court, usually by directors aiming to prevent a company from being liquidated.
Like with a standard administration process, a Notice of Intention stops creditors from taking out any legal action over a company while they try and rectify the business.
