INDEPENDENT jewellers Laings has announced it will open its new UK flagship location on Buchanan Street
The family-run company has signed a 15-year lease to take over B-listed building Rowan House as part of a £5million investment.
In a planning application submitted to Glasgow City Council, Laings proposed to revitalise and make significant updates to the 19th century retail and office development.
The company currently occupies the second and third-floor office space but it will now transform the full five-storey building which is located at 68/70 Buchanan Street.
Stuart McDowell, managing director of Laings, said: "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.
"With negotiations to secure Rowan House now complete, and a 15-year lease agreed, 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."
Glasgow has been home to Laings since it was established in 1840 and it is now an iconic brand offering a selection of luxury watches and jewellery.
As part of their Rowan House redevelopment plan, Laings will now bring the brands from across its three showrooms in the Argyll Arcade under one roof alongside its own fine jewellery and diamonds.
Their team of experts will also be moved to the new unit.
Laings CEO Joe Walsh said: "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."
Laings is expected to open the doors at Rowan House later this year.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here