Watch stores and jewellers are snapping up prime retail real estate at major UK shopping malls including Meadowhall in Sheffield and Bluewater in Kent.
At a recent retail conference, Darren Pearce, centre manager for Meadowhall revealed that watch and jewellery brands were increasing in number and size, leading to significantly rising sales.
“Over the past two years Meadowhall has seen more than a 50% increase in Jewellery space as sales and demand has grown. This has resulted in an increase in average spend, and the continued growth in sales of premium watch brands, such as Breitling, Rolex and Tag.
“As a result, we have significantly improved the retail line up of jewellers at Meadowhall. Brands such as Goldsmiths Boutique, Lola & Grace, Nomination and Cadenzza have been added, with Goldsmiths upsizing to accommodate increased customer demand,” Mr Pearce said.
Robert Goodman, general manager, at Bluewater described a similar trend in jewellery and watch brands investing in a stronger presence.
“Bluewater continues to evolve the jewellery offer and is seeing outstanding results. This has been driven by popular premium brands increasing their presence, as well as the addition of a stunning new Breitling Boutique (pictured), which opened last October, boasting spectacular design features.
“The store’s eye-catching supersized LED screen is the largest of its kind in Europe to be used within a retail concept. This level of investment by leading brands underlines the appeal Bluewater has for the jewellery sector, supported by our large catchment area and affluent customer demographic.”
