Luxury jewellery brand Laings has signed a 15-year lease to take over Rowan House, the landmark B-listed building on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street.
Currently occupying the second and third floor office space, the family-run jeweller has submitted a planning application to revitalise the 19th century retail and office development situated on the city's Style Mile.
Laings is proposing to transform the full stone-built five-storey building at 68/70 Buchanan Street and occupy the full 34,468 sq ft unit.
The basement, third and fourth floors will provide office space, with an enhanced hospitality area on the fifth floor, while the second floor will host a brand-new watch workshop.
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, 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."
With key elements of the expansion plan set to build on the workspaces for its growing team of craftspeople and enhance the overall retail experience, 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.
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.”
Building warrants for Rowan House are expected later this Spring to allow Laings to get work underway, with the building set to open its doors later this year.
