SUCCESS
Range – the Gucci showroom will be one of the largest in the UK , with a huge choice of watches from the leading fashion house .
Shining bright like a diamond
Market Cross Jewellers ’ luxury shopping experience in the heart of Middlesbrough
WORDS : SARAH WALKER PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH
When it comes to shopping , Dawn Welsh admits there is no denying “ luxury ” is not a word often heard in association with Middlesbrough town centre today .
However , the company manager of Market Cross Jewellers is optimistic about the town ’ s future – so much so that the business has invested about £ 850,000 extending its footprint on Linthorpe Road to include the former Miss Selfridge outlet .
The popular jeweller has become a destination outlet for those seeking a luxury shopping experience in its watch showroom , which includes elegant and attractive timepieces from Omega , Tudor , Jacob & Co , Breitling and Grand Seiko . The jeweller also stocks Longines , Tissot and Hugo Boss , while work is also underway on bringing to life its Gucci showroom – which will be one of the largest in the UK .
Dawn says : “ It ’ s a misconception that there is no money on Teesside and people are quick to talk down Middlesbrough , but we have many high value retail offerings that are doing really well .
“ High streets everywhere have lost key stores like Debenhams and House of Fraser , but despite that , we have become a destination outlet with a large and loyal customer base .
“ We successfully sell a range of luxury products and brands that you would have to go to Newcastle or Leeds for if you didn ’ t come here .”
The new-look Market Cross Jewellers is an undoubtedly classy addition to
Middlesbrough , with its wide range of elegant diamonds – both natural and labgrown – and luxury watches .
Next-door-but-one to its exquisitely furnished watch showroom , where enthusiasts regularly come to browse and discuss the finer points about the latest timepieces , more affordable brands such as Nomination and ChloBo are on sale .
However , it ’ s not the wide range of beautiful shiny objects it sells that makes Market Cross so successful - it ’ s the people who work there and the stories of families who have been customers for generations . “ My husband started the business in 1980 in Guisborough , in a shop behind the town ’ s market cross , which is where the name comes from ,” Dawn explains .
“ Since then , we have branched out into 15 shops across the region and we have loyal customers who have been coming to us for years .
“ We ’ ve seen people grow up from being kids to then being teenagers and eventually getting married .
“ We are very proud and privileged to be part of their life stories , as they come to us when they are celebrating a big occasion .”
Dawn and all the staff place a high value on providing the best customer experience – whether someone is coming to buy a £ 24 bracelet charm or a £ 67,500 watch .
“ We are very genuine ,” Dawn says . “ Every single one of us is a local person and we know the value of money .
Luxury – Market Cross Jewellers ’ stunning new-look Linthorpe Road store is a classy addition to Middlesbrough town centre .
“ We are appreciative of people ’ s custom and we treat every single person the same . Even if they are just browsing , they will get a warm and friendly welcome .”
Despite the down-to-earth feel the staff create at Market Cross Jewellers , those seeking a luxurious shopping experience will not be disappointed .
“ We ’ ve spent the same amount of money and have the same look and feel as stores in Oxford Street or Regent Street , with furniture imported from Switzerland and Italy ,” Dawn says .
As a case in point , Market Cross Jewellers in Middlesbrough is the largest UK stockist of Jacob & Co watches – as endorsed by Cristiano Ronaldo . There are only five Jacob & Co stockists in the whole of the UK .
The business ’ s flagship store is also the largest independent retailer of Swarovski jewellery and ornaments , which are especially popular at Christmas time .
The jeweller also offers a layaway scheme – and staff enjoy getting to know the many customers who pay into this in the run-up to Christmas .
For more information , visit the store or go online to marketcrossjewellers . com
The voice of business in the Tees region | 117