Baker Brothers unveils new store in Bedford
Family-run, independent luxury jewellery and watch retailer Baker Brothers has unveiled its new two-floor boutique in Bedford.
The new store is a relocation and major expansion of its previous site, just a few doors away.
Directors – and sisters- Lizzie and Rebecca McAuley, were instrumental in the vision for the new boutique.
The multimillion-pound investment reflects the owners’ vision to evolve Baker Brothers’ jewellery business while “strengthening their successful partnership with renowned Swiss watchmaker Rolex”. It also underscores their commitment to “reinforcing the brand’s long-standing ties to the Bedford community”.
The duo chose Greenwich based retail design consultants Innovare Design to help inspire, support, and guide them through this project.
The new store includes a new shopfront and a welcome desk at the front of the store. The space planning flows “easily”, revealing views from the Jewellery area into the Watch Gallery, and the aftersales Lounge beyond.
The new Rolex room is also clearly visible with its wide bronze archway. Upstairs leads to the private Bridal room and a new Rolex Authorised Service Centre.
The overall colour palette combines taupe and neutrals with accents of gold, black and red in the scheme. And the Baker Brothers diamond chevron, from its brand identity, has inspired several creative touches in the design.
Meanwhile, the boutique features a plush carpet, inset into a porcelain tile surround, along with a chevron tiled floor that further divides each of the main Baker Brothers rooms. Walls are also finished with a blend of different textures, from Venetian polished plaster to painted timber and silk-velvet panels.
A range of bespoke contemporary display cabinets to the wall and mid-floors feature ebony stained timber, black metal, and rich brass detailing. Each one showcases the Baker Brothers’ curated presentation of flawless diamond and gemstone jewellery as well as watches. There are matching timber consultation desks with inset leather tops, featuring an intricate brass chevron detail.
Additionally, soft furnishings in a mixture of gold, black and red fabrics, adorn chairs, cushions and a sofa. The Jewellery and Watch Gallery share a central bar and a bespoke hospitality unit to service the frequent celebrations is also constructed on the first-floor Bridal room.
Lizzie and Rebecca said: “We couldn’t have done this without Lloyd and his team. Innovare steered us through an enjoyable creative process and then calmly helped us navigate the complexity of choices and decisions associated with a redevelopment project of this scale. We’ve had a fabulous reception from both our customers and our brand partners. The space is delivering for us on all fronts.”