@Work was set up in 1998 by Joanna Butler, Adele Tipler and Amy Madge, all established designer / makers in their own right. They all use to share a workshop in Hoxton and had extensive experience in selling contemporary jewellery as well as making it. The gallery is a unique shopping experience and has been recognised as such acquiring the prestigious title of ‘Best Independent Shop’ (Time out shopping awards). The company have a wide selection of work ranging from Kitsch retro bottle cap jewellery costing as little as £10 to silver 22ct and diamond rings costing £600. All the stock within the business is acquired on a sale or return basis that keeps their overheads low. Designers sign a contract with them to sell their work at a 150% mark up. This is a lower mark up than the competitors in the West End. Managing Directors work is also sold* but at the reduced mark-up of 10%. Payments to designers are made at the end of every month.
The company has around 50 makers from all over the world, some of which supply exclusively within the UK. But the major difference between @work and other similar outlets is that they will go to great lengths to allow the customer to order bespoke pieces from their chosen maker whether the designer from Brighton or Tokyo. @Work consciously promotes the individual designers and their expertise rather than the gallery alone. This has played an important role in acquiring a loyal customer base. The customers feel they know the makers and enjoy supporting them in their careers and seeing their collections develop.
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