After Scotland had its first Rolex boutique, a multi-brand Swiss watch store was converted into a single-brand showroom for Switzerland’s largest watchmaker. The store is on top of Buchanan Pedestrian Street, opposite the Buchanan Galleries. Buchanan Gallery is a mid-market shopping center run by John Lewis.
The Watches of Switzerland Group, which will master the boutique, will be hoping that Rolex has the pulling power to draw affluent shoppers away from the southern end of Buchanan Street where the historic Argyll Arcade houses Laings, Mappin & Webb, Chisholm Hunter, and Rolex and upmarket department store Frasers offers brands like Prada and Chanel.
The Rolex store runs the business today with 133 sqm of retail space over two floors. A bronze and glass façade opens into the store with finishes in limestone, marble, bronze, walnut, and leather.
“This store opening is a rather positive move for our group and testament to our business relationship with Rolex which dates back to 1919 when we were the first appointed Rolex retailer in the UK so it is fitting that we’re opening the only dedicated Boutique in Scotland,” says The Watches of Switzerland Group CEO Brian Duffy.
Glasgow city center already has two Rolex stockists, Laings and Mappin & Webb, but WoSG is promising that the boutique will have the biggest choice.
“This new Rolex store is set to be a superb addition to Glasgow’s retail scene and positive step forward in the current climate showing confidence in the market. Rolex enthusiasts will now benefit from accessing the largest collection of replica Rolex timepieces in the city with the same shared world-class service connected with the brand and our group,” Mr. Duffy promises.
Shortages of the most in-demand Rolex watches have continued into the post-lock-down months, according to authorized dealers speaking to WatchPro, so competition among Glasgow’s retailers for allocations will be fierce.
“As we gradually return to in-store retail, this new Rolex boutique will operate only on a reservation basis to help manage in-store traffic and ensure the safety and comfort of colleagues and customers.” Online consulting through our customers’ preferred video-conferencing platforms and delivery services until our stores are fully open again, “Mr. Duffy explains.
