Bluck's of Bermuda Store Closes After 175 Years - Bernews

After 175 years of operation, the Bluck’s of Bermuda store has closed its doors, saying the “closure of Bluck’s is a sign of the times” as “business has decreased and the costs of doing business have increased.”

A KPMG spokesperson said, “Michael Morrison and Charles Thresh, both of KPMG Advisory Limited, were appointed Joint Provisional Liquidators of Wm. Bluck & Co., Ltd, on Friday, February 15, 2019, by Order of the Supreme Court of Bermuda.

“Bluck’s of Bermuda has subsequently ceased trading and closed its doors after 175 years of operation. The Front Street retailer began business in 1844 as a hardware store and over the years, grew to become a highend, internationally known vendor of antiques, fine china and crystal.

“The downturn in business for Bluck’s can be attributed to four main issues:

1. Loss of its main customer base following the 2009 economic downturn;
2. A change in the tourism demographic;
3. Higher costs of doing business; and
4. Change in modern lifestyles, including online shopping.”

“In simple terms, the closure of Bluck’s is a sign of the times,” said Peter Darling, a Director of the Company. “There is no single reason for us closing. Business has decreased and the costs of doing business have increased.

“Following the 2008 global financial crisis, among the people who left Bermuda were our some of our best customers. Other good customers were tourists; our tourism business has changed, and also, today people have direct access online to buy china and crystal directly from the manufacturers.

“In addition, lifestyles are different – people eat out more and don’t entertain at home as much as they used to. We’ve considered and tried many options to diversify and adapt to today’s needs, but it hasn’t worked well enough and the directors have regretfully decided to wind up the company.

“We are particularly saddened by this turn of events because of the history and our family’s involvement with the business. My grandfather Leslie Darling had an incredible eye for beautiful and quality items, and he did a phenomenal job of building the Bluck’s brand for excellence.”

“William Bluck & Co. was established in 1844 by John Bluck, and he was joined by Leslie Darling in 1935. After the death of Mr. Bluck in 1942, Mr. Darling became the owner and since then, three generations of Darlings have run the business. Throughout Bluck’s history, it operated five stores and as business declined, four shops were closed, leaving the one original location in west Hamilton.

Continued Mr. Darling, “Thank you to all those who have worked at Bluck’s over the years – full-time, part-time, seasonal and summer interns. Many people around the world enjoy beautiful items in their homes every day thanks to you. Times change, and we have to move on.”

KPMG noted, “The Joint Provisional Liquidators will now proceed to fulfill their statutory duties and will prepare to realize the remaining assets of the company, which may include a sale in due course of the remaining stock at the Front Street premises.

“For more information: Any creditors, suppliers or customers are asked to contact KPMG: Shrene Shergill [295 5063, shreneshergill@kpmg.bm] or Mike Penrose [294 2603, michaelpenrose@kpmg.bm].”