Laings has announced plans to open a new 750sq ft mono-brand OMEGA showroom at St David’s Cardiff.
Following a 60-year relationship with the Swiss watch brand, the launch of the Laings OMEGA showroom – set to open early spring 2022 – signals further development for the business as part of its UK-wide expansion plan. As Laings’ first mono-brand showroom, this is the latest investment for the family business as it continues to build on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches.
Expanding its retail strategy while staying true to the deep-rooted values of the business, Laings has a company-wide commitment to nurturing talent in the industry and ensuring traditional artisan crafts are kept alive for generations to come. It is expected that the showroom, situated across from the Laings Cardiff showroom at The Hayes, will present pioneering training opportunities with the innovative brand for employees at all levels, whilst offering a new luxury in-store experience for Laings’ clientele in Cardiff.
Designed by OMEGA and operated by Laings, the showroom situated in St David’s will encapsulate the essence of OMEGA, combining its signature style and longstanding heritage with Laings’ unrivalled service to offer Welsh clientele the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of OMEGA.
Since OMEGA was founded in 1848, it has established itself as a legacy brand with a multifaceted place in the cultural landscape. Its iconic Seamaster timepieces have been worn by James Bond in every 007 film since 1995 and it is the only brand to receive the coveted NASA certification, qualifying it for space flight.
Stuart McDowell, Managing Director of Laings, said: “We firmly believe that creating immersive luxury brand environments is key to unlocking the full potential of our retail
experiences as we revolutionise the way our clients connect with our brands. We’re now looking to extend this outside of our traditional showroom setting with our first mono-brand showroom – albeit with the same warmth, expertise and attention that clients have become accustomed to at Laings.
“Reaffirming our commitment to Cardiff, the OMEGA showroom will create new jobs and support further training opportunities in the area. We’re looking forward to welcoming clientele in to experience the world of OMEGA, in what will be a truly engaging environment.”
Andrea Nunziata, Brand Director at OMEGA UK, said: “OMEGA has enjoyed a 60-year relationship with Laings and we are delighted to raise this to the next level with a beautiful showroom in Cardiff, where OMEGA customers and enthusiasts will be able to access and enjoy the full collections and spirit of OMEGA.”
With Cardiff already established as a key location for the business, following a £3m investment into its existing showroom at St David’s earlier this year, the OMEGA showroom further builds on the jewellers’ presence in the city. Laings will continue to bring innovation to every area of the business and challenge jewellery and watchmaking retail experiences as part of its ambitious UK-wide growth plan.
Commenting on behalf of the St David’s partnership, Pablo Sueiras Head of Retail Channels for Landsec, said: “We’ve seen high demand for luxury jewellery and watches across our retail destinations in recent months. With Laings existing store already a huge success, we’re delighted to be able to build on our partnership with them and offer guests more of the experiences that they love.”
For more information on Laings, visit www.LaingsUK.com.
