Ready for take off: St James Quarter welcomes upsized Breitling store
St James Quarter has announced that luxury Swiss watchmaker, Breitling, has opened its significantly upsized store at the leading destination. The new c.1,000 sq ft store is the latest brand to reinvest in the destination, increasing its offer and physical footprint to meet ever-growing consumer demand.
Expanding in size by over 100% to c.1,000 sq ft, the new Breitling showcases an even more extensive selection of iconic timepieces from the global watchmaker. Signature watches rooted in the brand’s navigational heritage including the Superocean, Chronomat and Navitimer are on offer, housed in a refreshed store design in keeping with Breitling’s industrial aesthetic. The expanded store introduces bespoke features, including a fully stocked bar and pool table to create an enhanced client experience and environment to experience the brand’s full collection.
The Swiss brand rejoins St James Quarter’s host of world-class jewellery retailers, including market-leading luxury name Goldsmiths, also owned by Watches of Switzerland. Located on the Quarter’s mid-level, Breitling’s new store is neighboured by a significant line-up of premium brands, reinforcing the breadth of the destination’s appeal to both aspirational and high street favourites.
Chris Pyne, Leasing Director for St James Quarter, commented: “As Edinburgh’s principal retail destination, we’re committed to continually elevating St James Quarter’s offer. An essential element of which is to ensure that each brand is right-sized and in the right location. The upsizing of a globally-renowned, in-demand brand like Breitling, is a great example of this process – doubling down on its presence to elevate its store experience, deliver a more extensive selection of products and meet the ever-evolving tide of consumer demand.”
Craig Bolton, President of the Watches of Switzerland Group UK & Europe, added: "The Watches of Switzerland Group has a rich history of long-standing, prestigious brand partnerships, and we are delighted to be partnering with Breitling in opening the expanded boutique in St. James Quarter – the leading premium retail destination in Scotland. With a firm presence already in the city of Edinburgh, we are proud to be able to bring our clients this larger space which features a stunning exterior and interior in the brand's infamous industrial aesthetic. Guests can enjoy browsing the breadth of Breitling's iconic timepieces while also enjoying a drink at the bar or a game of pool in this warm and inviting space.”
The opening of Breitling’s upsized store follows the recent announcement that three market-leading F&B brands have invested in the prime destination, with the re-opening of itsu, and the signings of Black Sheep Coffee and Pret A Manger.