Independent retailer celebrates twenty years in Wigan shopping centre
One of Wigan’s favourite independent retailers is celebrating its achievements as one of the local success stories after relocating twenty years ago this year.
Mr Allan Jewellers, once located in the heart of Manchester, has become one of the leading independent jewellers in the region since it first began trading in Makinson Arcade, Wigan in 1996.
Now recognised as one of the crown jewels of Makinson Arcade, Mr Allan Jewellers only moved to The Galleries Shopping Centre as a result of the IRA bomb that devastated the heart of Manchester, and as they had just begun to establish themselves around this time, the team had to make a very big decision.
Mr Allan told us: “It devastated us at the time as we were just starting to establish our new shop in The Royal Exchange and we had no idea what the future would bring. Told that it would take over 18 months before we could move back we had to re-think our future, and chose to look around the outskirts of Manchester for a suitable alternative.”
“We felt Wigan was a lively, busy and progressive centre and as it turned out, setting up here has seen our business grow and establish itself in the town, mostly down to our hard work and very committed staff.”
Sharon, one of the longest serving employees of Mr Allan Jewellers, said: “Ever since we relocated to Wigan centre, we have fallen in love with the town and its people. We never expected to still be here and stronger than ever twenty years down the line.”
Many of the staff have worked at Mr Allan Jewellers for most of the twenty years they have been trading in Wigan. They are highly qualified and will offer the benefits of their experience to help make the right choice, and are proud to say they display the largest selection of quality jewellery in Wigan, with hundreds of diamond rings in stock. They are also happy to take on jewellery repairs and insurance valuations.
Building up a loyal customer base, they continue to trade well and have a bright outlook for the future.
“We are very grateful that out of the devastation & destruction, it has led us to meet so many loyal and appreciative customers, who have supported us through the hard times. It would be nice to think that many more good things have come out of it.”
The store will officially be marking twenty years in Wigan over the coming months.
Keep updated with all activity at The Galleries on their social media pages:
f: TheGalleries t: @Galleries