Berry’s Jewellers has opened the second largest Breitling boutique outside of London in the heart of its home city of Leeds.
The 1,700 square foot showroom was officially opened earlier this month by Simon Walton, managing director of Berry’s and Gavin Murphy, Breitling UK’s MD, and becomes the brand’s 28th monobrand store in the UK; most of them run in partnership with retailers.
Commercial Street in Leeds has shifted over recent years from mostly multibrand showrooms for the likes of Ernest Jones, Beaverbrooks, Chisholm Hunter and Goldsmiths, to monobrand boutiques for some of Switzerland’s most prestigious watchmakers.
Berry’s has always bookended Commercial Street with its flagship showroom anchored by Patek Philippe to the west on Albion Street end and a multibrand at the other end close to Briggate, the main pedestrianised artery for the city.
The transition from multibrand showrooms to more branded boutiques on Commercial Street has not been plain sailing.
Signet Jewelers (Ernest Jones and H. Samuel), Watches of Switzerland Group and Berry’s have all been jostling to make best use of, or walk away from, the spaces they own or lease (a story WatchPro intends to tell in full another day).
Amid the turmoil, Breitling has found a settled solution with a longstanding partner.
“No.1 Commercial Street marks a new chapter in our relationship with Berry’s, who have been the sole custodians of the brand within Leeds for many years. I am delighted that we have been able to retain and enhance the natural character of the building whilst showcasing the Breitling universe over 1700 square feet that will trade over two floors. Leeds has always been a great catchment for Breitling and now with this impressive boutique we look forward to providing an immersive brand journey to the local clientele,” Mr Murphy says.
Mr Walton is equally delighted. “We are thrilled to open the first stand-alone Breitling boutique in the heart of Leeds City Centre this April. Following a £2 million investment, this will be one of the largest Breitling boutiques outside London and provide watch enthusiasts in the city with a dedicated space to experience the full range of Breitling timepieces.
“Leeds is a dynamic city with a discerning clientele, and we are confident that our new boutique will be a welcome addition to the luxury retail landscape. Situated at number No.1 Commercial Street, the boutique is right in the heart of Leeds’ vibrant shopping district and offers a sophisticated and welcoming environment. Customers can expect a personalised shopping experience with our knowledgeable staff who will guide them through Breitling’s legacy of Swiss watchmaking excellence,” he says.
Berry’s has created the substantial boutique over two floors using the signature industrial loft apartment styling of Breitling that has become commonplace up and down the country.
It has floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light and houses a bar and Breitling yellow pool table that make it a welcoming space in which to spend time.
