Next Phase of Seven-Figure Renovation & Major Expansion Project Announced
Jamieson & Carry, the independent, family-owned and run jewellery business founded in 1733, announces significant plans for further redevelopment of its Union Street store. The move is part of the business’ continued plans to improve the customer experience and maintain itself as one of the best luxury retail spaces and shopping destinations in the UK.
The next phase of the development follows a major external refurbishment of the store which is scheduled for completion later this month. The Jamieson & Carry building at 142 Union Street is a B-listed granite building in the heart of Aberdeen city centre with a 3-storey front on Union Street and a 7-storey elevation which houses recently redeveloped jewellery & watch workshops. Since May, the external façade of the store has undergone significant works to re-point and refurbish the original windows along with a full building clean which has been carried out with the preservation of the original stonework a priority and in close consultation with Aberdeen City Council and Historic Scotland.
To reaffirm its ongoing commitment to the city centre Jamieson & Carry, today, confirms its expansion into the former All Saints building, 136 Union Street, situated adjacent to the existing store allowing for an increased Rolex window and in-store presence, a brand synonymous with Jamieson & Carry for over 80 years. The family-owned business also announces Aberdeen’s first TAG Heuer boutique next door on the corner of Union Street and Belmont Street which is set to open in 2023.
Christopher Carry, Partner at Jamieson & Carry, said:
“Aberdeen and Union Street is our home, we have been in the same location since 1925 and have always strived to achieve excellent customer service along with the best products in the best possible surroundings. As luxury retail has changed rapidly over the last 5 years, we recognised that we needed to enhance our current surroundings and the experience we offer. We recognise the challenges faced by high streets across the country and the importance of working together for the good of the city. Our plans to renovate and expand our existing store in Aberdeen and introduce the city’s first TAG Heuer boutique is all part of this wider plan to improve the retail offering of the city centre, and Union Street improving its appeal as a shopping destination of which we can be proud.”
“Being located in a conservation area, we were very conscious that careful consideration had to be taken when planning for changes to this historic landmark building. Since 2019 we have been looking to improve our building and have worked closely with Aberdeen City Council and were encouraged to apply for a City of Aberdeen regeneration Scheme (CARS) Grant that has assisted with the improvements to the listed building.
“We purchased the former All Saints building adjacent to the shop in 2019 to allow us to more than double the window space of the shop front. This will also significantly increase our footprint and enable us to have a stronger presence in the heart of the city centre. The increased shop front allows us to better showcase our key brands Rolex and Patek Philippe, whilst also creating an improved brand experience within the store itself. This ensures a modern and luxurious setting for our customers maintaining our shopping destination status.”
“The decision to launch the city’s first TAG Heuer boutique comes in response to the growing demand for this brand in our store. We wanted to provide a unique TAG Heuer experience in the city and we are excited to see the store come to life over the coming months.
“The city centre receives a hard time and like everyone, we want to see Aberdeen as an attractive retail destination. The strong turnout by the business community at the summit that took place yesterday shows a collective commitment to work together and improve Union Street and the surrounding area. Our plans aim to enhance our existing destination store to not only be one of the best luxury retail spaces in Aberdeen or the North-East of Scotland but one of the best in the UK. We hope that we can play our role in helping to deliver a city centre of which we can all be proud.”
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said:
“This is fantastic news for Union Street and it is wonderful to see Jamieson & Carry – a much-loved independent retailer – thriving at the heart of our city centre.
“Everyone in this region shares a dream of seeing Union Street returned to its former glory – but that vision requires significant investment from the private sector to become a reality. Jamieson & Carry is leading the way and we urge others to join them in securing a bright future for our city centre.”
Adrian Watson, CEO, Aberdeen Inspired, said:
“Jamieson & Carry is an iconic institution that sits proudly in the heart of our city. We are delighted to see the business continue to develop and innovate in creating one of the best customer experiences of its kind. The challenge to the high street, both here and elsewhere, is well documented, but Jamieson & Carry is a great illustration of a business that continues to grow and should be commended for this.”
