Luxury jewellery retailer Laings is opening a brand-new showroom in Southampton, with a £3 million pound investment, in a move that is set to create several new jobs in the local area.
The announcement clears up months of anticipation and conversation across social media within the community, as to who would be moving into the site formerly occupied by Victoria’s Secret.
Opening in summer 2023, Laings’s new 9,000 square foot showroom will feature a reimagined luxury experience within Westquay shopping centre. The large-scale expansion of the family-run business’s footprint comes after it announced plans for a £10 million investment to elevate and expand its showrooms throughout the UK, including Edinburgh, Cardiff, and its future flagship in Glasgow.
New jobs will be delivered as part of the expansion, with the luxury retailer planning to bolster its existing pool of jewellery and watch experts with new roles across general sales, management, administration and service. Recruitment is expected to take place in the new year.
The move from its existing unit at the shopping centre, which will remain open until the move is completed, will see the Laings showroom more than treble in size, creating extensive space to introduce dedicated areas for diamonds and jewellery, as well as a range of some of the world’s most prestigious watch brands.
Stuart McDowell, Managing Director at Laings, said: “This move marks a significant investment into our presence and customer offering in Southampton, where we have operated for close to 30 years. The new unit is a remarkable space, and we have some exciting plans in place that we hope will enhance our clientele’s shopping experience for years to come.
“The expansion is testament to the skill and expertise of our dedicated staff who have built strong relationships in the community throughout the decades – they are a talented team, and we are looking forward to welcoming new team members to the Laings family ahead of our grand opening next year.”
Laings is known for handcrafted fine jewellery, bespoke design, and curation of the world’s most sought after watch brands. With roots in Scotland, it is the country’s longest standing family-run jeweller dating back through 180 years of rich heritage. The brand’s ambition is to be recognised as the UK’s jeweller of choice, appealing to all generations and occasions, creating unforgettable experiences for all clients.
