Laings announces multimillion pound Glasgow flagship investment

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Apr 14, 2022

Laings is going big in Scotland. The heritage family-run jeweller has signed a 15-year lease to take over a 34,468 sq ft landmark B-listed building in Glasgow, which will become its £5 million UK flagship retail and office location.

A planning application has been submitted to Glasgow City Council to revitalise Rowan House, a 19th century retail and office development on Buchanan Street, making “significant” updates to the space.

Currently occupying the second and third floor office space, Laings is now set to transform the full stone-built five-storey building. Retail space will span the ground and first floors. The basement, third and fourth floors will provide office space, while an enhanced hospitality area will occupy the fifth floor.

Meanwhile the second floor will all host an all-new watch workshop with the immersive floor offering clients the unique opportunity to join its watchmakers and goldsmiths behind the benches to see their skills in action, “drawing back the curtain on the artisan crafts for the first time in the company’s history”.

Key elements of the expansion plan centre on building on workspaces for its growing team of craftspeople while enhancing the overall retail experience, it noted.

“This contract signals the latest milestone in Laings’ multi-layer growth strategy as it builds on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches”, the company said.

MD Stuart McDowell added: “Last year, we announced our multi-layer expansion plan to transform our showrooms and workshops across the UK, reimagining the customer experience while ensuring traditional jewellers’ crafts are kept alive for generations to come.

“The centrepiece of this investment plan is our new flagship showroom in Glasgow, where we’ll be bringing Laings to the forefront while creating unique, immersive experiences for our clients. We’re excited to be able to announce our plans to deliver a new retail format that captures the imagination of our clients and further enhance the luxury shopping experience in Glasgow.”

Laings CEO, Joe Walsh, added: “As we continue to innovate with our jewellery and watchmaking retail experiences, we’re looking to bring innovation to every area of the business, while never forgetting the deep-rooted heritage of Laings.

“The Argyll Arcade has been an important part of our story and we’re committed to ensuring the success of the arcade continues. Our three Glasgow showrooms have been invaluable as we’ve built our offering and presence in the city, but as we get ready for this next chapter, we’re open to enquiries about our existing retail units in the arcade.”