A familiar Whakatāne jewellery business is set to change hands next week, but customers can expect to see many of the same faces behind the counter.

Renshaws Jewellers’ owner Hayley Cobb is stepping away from the family business after 26 years working in the store, including five years as owner alongside her husband, Darryl.

The business has been part of the Renshaw family for more than 50 years, after Cobb’s grandfather, Os Edwards, opened Edwards Jewellers at the eastern end of The Strand in 1972.

Her parents, John and Alison Renshaw, later joined the business and took over in 1984.

In November 1987, they moved the store to its current premises, previously occupied by Morpeths Lingerie, and renamed it Renshaw Gemtime Jewellers.

Cobb joined her parents in the business in 2000 before she and Darryl bought it in 2021.

“It’s pretty special,” Cobb said.

“I always felt a lot of pride being part of a family business and it was always really nice to be able to say that I’m a third-generation jeweller.”

Over the years, Cobb said there had been plenty of memorable moments, from taking part in fashion shows and having a stand at the AMP Show to more recent involvement in the Business and Leisure Show.

A highlight was the store’s 50th birthday celebrations, which brought former staff and customers back together.

It was the relationships built with customers and staff that Cobb said she would miss most.

“It’s the team here and the customers. Lots of them are friends.

“Looking after the people is the most important and trying to always do the right thing by people,” she said.

Community involvement has also been an important part of the business, with Renshaws supporting organisations and events including the golf club and Toi’s challenge, as well as choosing a different charity to support each year.

This year, the business is supporting the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust, and Cobb said this support would continue under the new ownership.

She is in her third year of a four-year midwifery degree and has decided to step away from the shop to focus on her studies and future career in health.

“I’ve done it as long as I could; I’m ready to just focus purely on my studies and looking after the mums in the community here,” she said.

Cobb said most of the existing team would remain, with customers able to expect continuity of service.

Darryl, a manufacturing jeweller, will continue providing jewellery repair and manufacturing services from the premises after the handover, including ring sizing, stone replacement, claw work and making new pieces.

Angelia Le Sueur from Jewelz will take over the business on Wednesday.

Cobb is pleased the business is going to someone who understands the jewellery industry and the importance of customer service.

“She understands what our store philosophy is and what customer service means.”

Le Sueur said she was excited to be taking on a business with such a strong history in the community.

“It’s an honour and a privilege that Hayley is confident that the business is in safe hands and that I will do my very best to uphold the ‘Renshaw’ name and the expectation that comes with.

“I am looking forward to becoming familiar with Renshaws’ existing customers. I may even know a few already.

“It will be business as usual after takeover. I am a firm believer in ‘don’t change what’s not broken’.

“As a customer you will be greeted with the same exceptional service, product you are familiar with, and familiar friendly faces, including myself.

“I love the industry, I love my work, I love our wider community. Being local is something I am proud of and am excited to keep Renshaw Jewellers owned and managed locally.”

Cobb said she would remain available to help with the transition, despite stepping back from the day-to-day running of the business.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m just going to have my head in the books more,” she said.

Cobb is grateful to all the customers who have supported Renshaws over the years.

“Thank you for supporting our local business. Every little thing, whether it’s a $5 watch pin or a bigger item, it definitely means a lot.”