Fellows Auctioneers carried out their first public viewing since the coronavirus pandemic struck. The head office and saleroom in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter was closed for over three months. On Wednesday 17th June, customers were able to view the 333 items on show in preparation for Fellows’ timed, online-only Watches auction, which ends on Monday 22nd June. The viewing took place at Fellows’ Jewellery Quarter saleroom. Customers arrived to view items from the auction, with strict precautionary measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and customers.
The Birmingham-based family business has worked to ensure the safety of their Jewellery Quarter premises. Hand sanitising at all entry points and clear signage have been placed around the building. All employees have their own gloves and masks and all visitors are required to wear them as well. Stocks are in place to also provide these for all visitors. Floors have been marked to ensure that social distancing can be maintained throughout the building. A HikVision Thermal Camera has been installed in reception to test for elevated temperatures.
Following the government’s guidance allowing auction houses to open to the public from June 15th, Fellows have been able to showcase their 22nd June Watches Sale with both public and virtual viewings. Customers have the option to view either via the internet or in person.
Stephen Whittaker, Managing Director of Fellows Auctioneers, said: “We are delighted to offer viewings for our customers, both in person and via the internet. The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority and our team has worked hard to make sure our Jewellery Quarter saleroom is as safe as it can be. Extra steps such as a one-way system have been put in place and our staff have been briefed about how they manage the viewings.”
A list of Fellows’ safety measures can be seen below:
• Hand sanitising points for all entry points have been installed with clear signage.
• All Fellows employees will have their own gloves and masks, stocks are in place to also provide these for all visitors.
• Home working and staggered working hours will become the norm, Fellows have embraced technology such as Zoom and Slack to allow their colleagues to communicate seamlessly regardless of their location.
• Floors will be clearly marked to ensure that social distancing can be maintained throughout the building.
• A HikVision Thermal Camera has been placed in the reception area to test for elevated temperatures.
• An online automated booking system for customers looking to visit Fellows in person for valuations and viewing,
• Fellows’ Online Timed format sales have evolved and they will continue to develop these but they also hope to hold live sales in the future with social distancing and careful management maintained.
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