The owner of one of Douglas’ best known jewellers is to bring some of the world’s most luxurious brands to the island following a ?500,000 investment.

Michael Hyman owner of prestigious jewellers, Wilkins is responding to a surge in demand by more than doubling the size of the premises by moving to Strand Street.

From July, Wilkins will occupy the 1,800sq ft former Axle unit, adjacent to fashion retailer, Next. The relocation marks an investment of ?500,000 with the Duke Street premises remaining open for business until the refit is complete. 

Once complete, the extended premises will allow Wilkins to introduce new high value brands to this flagship premises, which will be announced at a later date.

The move marks a return to its spiritual home for Wilkins, which traded from Strand Street until 1985 when a move to Duke Street was forced by an extension to the Isle of Man Bank premises.

Wilkins owner Michael Hyman and his family have a long association with the Isle of Man, which dates back to 1929 when his father and uncles opened their first shop under the name of Hymans. The new store is not the first time Michael has invested heavily in the island.

In 2010 he brought the exclusive Pandora brand to the Isle of Man with its stand alone store on Strand Street. The move saw five members of staff added to the team and marked a capital investment of almost ?500,000.

Michael said: “We’ve invested ?1million into our business on the Island which is a fantastic development for our company. The team can’t wait for the Strand Street store to open.

“Wilkins, under the stewardship of Neil Dunwell, has flourished as a business and he and the team have developed a loyal customer following across the Isle of Man and on the mainland. Buying jewellery is an extremely important decision and customers trust Wilkins to give them a first class service to help with this purchase. It’s an honour to be given this privilege and we can’t thank our customers enough.

“It’s great to be returning to our original home and not only will the investment into the store boost our growth, we will be supporting the local economy by bringing Manx craftsmen on to the project.”

Michael Hyman owns the Hyman Group comprising Wilkins, Leonard Dews in Blackpool, and a new concept jewellery store, Chique, in Lytham.

Michael added: “Our new premises mark a bold move for the business at a time when many are standing still. We’re firmly committed to the Isle of Man, and confident that our new proposition, coupled with what will be a state-of-the-art showroom on Strand Street, will further strengthen the Wilkins brand.”

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