Turnover at Hugh Rice Jewellers’ store in Beverley has jumped 43% since it was relocated and revamped.
Hugh Rice Jewellers moved its store to Tollgavel in the east Yorkshire town in October, which is a five-minute walk from its previous location in Lairgate. Since then the retailer has recorded an "unprecedented sales growth".
The relocation of the store and its storefit prompted serious investment. While Hugh Rice Jewellers declined to put a figure on the cost of the move, it said that the cost did include the purchase of the freehold building and added that it was "extensively renovated and furnished with no expense spared".
When creating the new store care was taken to retain the character of the historic Yorkshire town and the efforts have since been recognised in the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Chairman’s Awards for architectural excellence. The store was shortlisted in the category of Built Heritage. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Spa in Bridlington in May.
Hugh Rice Group managing director Mike Rice said: “You only have to switch on the TV or pick up a newspaper to see that we are still in economically challenging times. However, we have remained focused on the future of the company and recognised that to grow and improve our customer experience investing in this relocation was essential.
“We can’t stand still as a company and so made this happen. I’m delighted to say that this investment is really working for us and the sales performance through our Beverley store is much stronger than it’s ever been.”
Hugh Rice sells fashion and watches from brands including Seiko, Omega, Rado, Tissot, Longines, Juicy Couture, Boss by Hugo Boss and Raymond Weil.
