Family jewellers invest in Preston store expansion

Preston’s retail sector has been boosted by the news a long-established jewellers is making a “significant” investment in the expansion of its Fishergate store.

Family-owned Whittles Jewellers’ plans include the creation of an exclusive ‘Rolex room’ coupled with a luxury diamond room.

In addition to the showroom expansion, Whittles is expanding its workforce by creating a new role for a ‘watch specialist’ who will join its 10-strong team.

Whittles Jewellers says it will also be investing further into its Rolex range allowing greater depth of choice and variety.

Joanna Rhodes-Valentine, managing director of Whittles, pictured here with assistant manager Rose Wilson, said: “These certainly are exciting times for Whittles.

“We’ve been extremely privileged to work in partnership with Rolex for more than 50 years. Throughout this journey we have seen Rolex become one of the most iconic, globally recognised brands and we remain very proud of our association with the brand and the technological developments which they have pioneered.

It isn’t the first time Whittles has expanded its Preston showroom. In 2013 the company relocated to its current premises on Fishergate to allow a much larger showroom complete with a dedicated Rolex area.