Pragnell’s Stratford-Upon-Avon flagship showroom has become one of the largest fine watch and jewellery boutiques in the UK following a major expansion and refurbishment.
The store has 50% more retail space thanks to the addition of number 7 Wood Street to the original neighbouring number 6 that has been home to Pragnell since 1993.
The store now offers Rolex, Patek Philippke Omega, Cartier, A. Lange & Sohne, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Chanel, Panerai, Breitling, Tudor, Longines and Reservoir along with a growing stock of top end pre-owned watches.
The sixth-generation, 425-year-old, family business has consolidated its network of stores across Stratford-Upon-Avon, London and Leicester under the Pragnell name, but the original flagship has retained its original name of George Pragnell above the door.
The history of the business and its reputation for selling rare and highly prized jewellery and watches attracts customers from all over the world, many of whom combine a trip to the jeweller with a William Shakespeare tour, Stratford-Upon-Avon’s most famous resident.
Pragnell’s Tudor building in Stratford-upon-Avon’s historic centre has lived many lives. Built following the town’s great fire in 1594, it was designed and financed by architect Abraham Sturley, a close friend and drinking partner of then-30-year-old William Shakespeare.
Sturley was granted permission by the court of King James to adorn the ceiling and fireplaces with regal Jacobean patterns used in royal households; features which have been painstakingly preserved to this day, the company describes.
Over the last four centuries, number 7 Wood Street has acted as a private home and housed a number of local shops and businesses, including lawyers, butchers and bakers. From 1632 until 1774, it was home to the Unicorn Inn, complete with its own Shakespearean theatre.
Pragnell acquired the building in 2015. After extensive planning and a 12-month renovation, the next chapter in its history has begun.
“The expansion of our Stratford-upon-Avon showroom is a hugely exciting step in the history of Pragnell,” says Charlie Pragnell.
“My grandfather moved his family to live and trade from number 5 Wood Street in 1954, my father expanded the shop into number 6 and it was the right time for me to evolve the headquarters of our company further. The enlarged space allows us our expert team to better showcase the exceptional quality and diversity of our collections, improving the experience for our customers and making our Stratford-upon-Avon showroom an even more attractive destination for those seeking the most diverse selection of fine jewellery and watches in Great Britain.”
