Suppliers and retailers are mourning the loss of David Jarrett, housewares sales agent (Jarrett Professional Sales.) David represented many brands including: The DRH Collection, Forma House, JWP, Silverwood, Ladelle, Navigate, Guzzini, Tramontina and Terraillon. David died on February 13, following a few years of battling health issue. He had enjoyed seeing many customers recently at Top Drawer (with Forma House) in January.
David Holmes, md of The DRH Collection stated: “It is with very great sadness that we learnt that David had passed away after a short illness, surrounded by his family. He joined us as an agent in 2007 when we were a very young company, and are indebted to him for his belief in us even then. It has been a real pleasure to have him as part of our team these last 12 years, and feel honoured to have worked alongside him, as both a colleague and a friend.”
Continuing, David Holmes reflects: “It is so fitting to think that it was so recently at the Housewares Innovation Awards in Birmingham that David won the ‘Britain’s Best Salesperson’ award. Although sadly he was not able to collect the award himself, this just reflects what a well respected ‘Ambassador of Commerce’ David was to his very many customers who had also become his personal friends.”
He concludes: “David was truly a gentleman in every sense of the word, charming and helpful to customers and industry colleagues alike, and will be very sadly missed by all those who had the fortune to work alongside him.”
DRH has received many emails from David Jarrett’s customers, which will be passed on to his family.
Simon Maghnagi, director of Forma House commented on the sad news: “ I am lost for words: we really hoped David would be ok, as he managed to overcome things time and time again, and was a true fighter. It all doesn’t seem real and my heart is broken for David and all his family. David was a big part of our Forma team and I truly loved our debates. Our team is feeling the pain of losing someone we respected and truly thought of as one of us . There are no words I can say to sum up how much David will be missed. This industry adored David Jarrett: he was truly respected and people will miss him greatly.”
Meanwhile, David Jack, md of Silverwood and previous owner of independent cookshop, Hubbledays remembers David Jarrett over many years, including during his years heading up his own company, Avanti Housewares, when “he really understood what we retailers wanted.” David Jack observed: “He was a larger than life character, who always carried a huge amount of samples and went ‘above and beyond’ to be helpful. David was ‘old school’, always cheerful and enthusiastic, always staying in touch with his customers.”
At JWP, Geoff Hounslea said: “Everybody at JWP is devastated at the untimely death of David. David was a much-loved man by myself and all of his colleagues and customers alike. At the recent shows, I was approached by so many people from the trade asking after David’s health and wishing him a speedy recovery. Having kept in touch with his daughter since he went into hospital we all hoped he would pull through but sadly it didn’t happen. We would like to pass on our deepest condolences to David’s family and many friends. RIP David; you will be greatly missed.”
Another tribute comes from Evelyn Seton at Ladelle: “It is with great sadness we heard of David”s death. David was a sincere and lovely man, always conscientious and hardworking, always putting his customers first. The team at Ladelle would like to pass on our condolences to David’s family as he will be very sorely missed. “
Top: Sadly missed: David Jarrett.
