Preston jewellers invests in six figure store expansion
A fourth-generation family jewellers in Preston has announced the expansion of its showroom to include an exclusive Rolex room, coupled with a luxury diamond room.
The six figure expansion at Whittles Jewellers, based on Fishergate, will be a key investment for the company and Preston’s high street.
Work has already started and Whittles aims to complete the expansion by the middle of October 2018.
In addition to the showroom expansion, Whittles is expanding its workforce by creating a new role for a ‘watch specialist’ who will join its team of 10 staff.
The new Rolex room will include bespoke furniture and fittings designed in Switzerland by Rolex and manufactured by UK-based shopfitters Benbow Group.
Whittles will also be investing further into its Rolex range, allowing greater depth of choice and variety for clients to enjoy.
The newly appointed diamond room will offer a more intimate environment, away from the busy shop floor.
This area will be dedicated to Whittles’ world class, hand-sourced diamonds and gemstones, to provide clients with a memorable experience.
Joanna Rhodes-Valentine, managing director of Whittles, said: “These certainly are exciting times for Whittles.
“We are immensely proud to have the opportunity to extend our showroom which will enhance the Rolex customer experience along with creating a beautiful area within our showroom dedicated to our diamonds.
“We’ve been extremely privileged to work in partnership with Rolex for more than 50 years.
“Throughout this journey we have seen Rolex become one of the most iconic, globally recognised brands and we remain very proud of our association with the brand and the technological developments which they have pioneered.
“We are also particularly excited to be recruiting for a new ‘watch specialist’ to welcome into our growing team of industry specialists, which includes two FGA qualified gemmologists, an on-site registered valuer, and a Rolex-accredited watch maker.”
This isn’t the first time Whittles has expanded its Preston showroom.
In 2013 the company relocated to its current premises on Fishergate to allow a much larger showroom, complete with a dedicated Rolex area.
Whittles is a family business which spans four generations and has more than 155 years of experience, since 1862.
