NORTHERN Goldsmiths, the jewellery store which has crowned the corner of Pilgrim Street and Blackett Street, Newcastle since 1832 is set to become a flagship showroom with a £1M investment.
The city centre showroom, branded ‘Northern Goldsmiths’, is one of the most long-standing in Goldsmiths estate and one of four stores in the Newcastle area – it was also once the central head office to several other Goldsmiths stores, prior to its expansion throughout the UK.
The store closed on 26 April and will reopen in early July after a major refurbishment, which will see all the original features of the listed building sympathetically maintained and restored to their former glory.
Internally there will be an extension of the Rolex Boutique and the introduction of an Omega Boutique, alongside a series of ‘shop in shops’ created in partnership with some of Goldsmiths’ luxury watch brands to provide further choice and expert service.
This is in addition to the re-opening of the first floor space and a dedicated Goldsmiths Services area dealing with client repairs, and offering additional customer seating and consultation areas.
Northern Goldsmiths is an iconic Newcastle landmark known for being lit up at night – historically making it somewhere for revellers to meet. The Rolex clock on the corner of the building remains a popular meeting place and has been the scene of many proposals over the years, consequently known locally as ‘the kissing clock’.
Craig Bolton, Executive Brand Director for Goldsmiths, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing Northern Goldsmiths, Newcastle into the 21st century, yet mindful of its unrivalled history and heritage of which we’ll be careful to maintain through its beautiful listed features.
“Goldsmiths offers a luxury experience and we wanted to ensure the showroom was given a major refresh to feel special and somewhere to really linger over jewellery decisions. Our team are all highly-trained from our diamond experts to our watch specialists, so the store will be a destination for the best of the best.
“We are currently refitting over 40 of our Goldsmiths stores in the UK this year as part of a major investment and I’m delighted this Newcastle showroom has been chosen as the flagship redevelopment. Being born and bred in Newcastle myself, I remember its importance and know it holds dear in many people’s hearts.
Northern Goldsmiths General Manager Jason West, who is also from Newcastle, said: “Having been with the company for 24 years, it’s the character, heritage and traditional nature of the brand that distinguishes Northern Goldsmiths from other jewellers.
“We’re really looking forward to our big day in July when we can welcome our customers into their new look, local showroom. Until then we have alternative Goldsmiths showrooms that will remain open throughout in intu Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre.”
Goldsmiths is the UK’s largest luxury high street retailer with over 110 stores nationwide and online at goldsmiths.co.uk, and was the first official Rolex retailer in the country.
With over 230 years of experience and tradition, Goldsmiths sells fine jewellery and diamonds, including exclusive brands Vera Wang Love and Canadian Ice and operates the largest distribution network for Rolex, Omega and TAG Heuer as well as many other reputable watch brands such as Michael Kors.