The launch of Lumbers’ new High Street jewellery store is set to further enhance the retail impact of Leicester’s High Cross.
With agreement on a 15-year lease, negotiated by leading Leicestershire commercial property specialist Andrew and Ashwell, a £1m-plus refurbishment of the former Dominoes toy shop is now underway, setting Lumbers on course for summer opening.
Retailer of the Year in the recent Leicestershire Business Awards and with Managing Director Dominic Gomersall also voted top entrepreneur, Lumbers continues to fly the flag for local independent firms.
Established for over 130 years, the jeweller will vacate the current Market Street premises, more than doubling space and creating a gleaming new store on High Street, where economic recovery and on-going improvements to the face of the city are beginning to take effect.
Lumbers is expected to employ an additional two to three staff at the 1,500 sq m new store, which will feature a stunning glass staircase spanning three floors of sparkling jewellery, luxury gifts and individual brand boutiques.
Dominic Gomersall said Andrew and Ashwell had been vital to the success of prolonged negotiations, securing a move that would significantly raise prospects for company growth.
“The size of the new Lumbers was never the original driving force of the move. Long-term sustainability is vital to the Lumbers strategy and I was concerned by the continued drop in quality retailers and lack of investment on Market Street.
“A fantastic advantage of the new premises is that we can express our own version of luxury goods retailing, including a VIP Champagne bar on the first floor, sponsored by Plug Interiors. We will also have a full commercial kitchen for high quality client hospitality.”
Jon Archer of Andrew and Ashwell said the new Lumbers would attract greater footfall onto High Street, extending the glossy retail offering of Leicester’s popular High Cross shopping centre.
“Several major names have joined High Street in the past few months, as retailers aim to benefit from the appeal of High Cross.
“The lease of Lumbers reflects optimism in the retail sector and improvements to the city centre, which includes Jubilee Square at the west end of High Street, linking this main shopping area with historic parts of Leicester.
“We believe Lumbers can be an anchor store on High Street, that will attract like-minded, quality retailers and continue to improve this area over years to come.”
