Hepworth’s Watchmakers and Jewellers owners Janice and Kevin Ganly retire in Cairns

Time is up for one of the city’s oldest businesses with its owners retiring in January and closing up shop after 74 years.

A LANDMARK Cairns business will close after 74 years when current owners Janice and Kevin Ganly retire next month.

After 40 years behind the counter, the pair are retiring from one of Cairns’ most beloved businesses, Hepworth’s Watchmakers and Jewellers, which was established by Ms Ganly’s father and grandfather in 1948.

And far from being a sad time, they said they are excited about retirement as they plan to enjoy their time relaxing with family and friends as well as finding time to play golf, tennis and go fishing.

“This is actually quite an exciting time,” Mrs Ganly said with a smile.

“We also look forward to spending more time with our children and grandchildren.”

Mr Ganly said ahead of their closing the doors forever in late January, they will be offering some excellent discounts on the beautiful watches and jewellery for which Hepworth’s in renown.

“We are offering special deals on all our stock,” he said.

“If you are after a watch or a special piece of jewellery for Christmas, now is the time to come in and see us.”

After 40 years in the jewellery business, Janice and Kevin Ganly are closing down Hepworth's Watchmakers and Jewellers on Abbott Street and retiring. The business has been in Janice's family since 1948. Picture: Brendan Radke

The pair who met at a pony club have been married 45 years.

As well as raising a family, they have also worked together for four decades after they took over the business from Mrs Ganly’s parents, Bruce and Coralie Hepworth, in 1995.

“Then we were down the road at 135 Abbott St before we moved here to 115,” Mr Ganly said.

“Janice’s father Bruce was a remarkable man, a very, very good watchmaker and he taught me all about watchmaking.

“It was all hand wind watches back then.”

Mr Ganly said repairs have been a significant element of the business since the very beginning.

“We have repaired many thousands and thousands of watches over the years,” he said.

“The brands of watches which are still very popular with our customers include the quality Australian made Adina and Seiko.”

Mr Ganly said that while iPhones will tell you the time, nothing is as good as choosing to wear a stylish timepiece.

And now is an ideal time to consider making a purchase with so many special deals on offer.

In 2008 Janice Ganly from Hepworth Jewellers in Abbott St helped Ron Beardwood choose a diamond ring for he and his wife's 60th wedding anniversary. Photo: Ron Beardwood

Mrs Ganly said while they loved serving the Cairns community over the years, they are very much looking forward to retiring.

She said they have received many heartfelt comments from customers who have been coming to Hepworths for generations about how much they will be missed.

“So many lovely people have come in and told us that they are sad we are closing our doors and retiring,” she said.

“But really, this is an exciting time for us.

“It’s certainly not doom and gloom.”

After four decades behind the counter, Janice and Kevin Ganly are closing down Hepworth's Watchmakers and Jewellers on Abbott Street and retiring from the business which was founded by Janice's father and grandfather in 1948. Picture: Brendan Radke

Originally published as Hepworth’s Watchmakers and Jewellers owners Janice and Kevin Ganly retire in Cairns