Jamieson and Carry reveals million-pound plan to transform two vacant Aberdeen city centre shops

By Ben Hendry

November 9 2022, 4:00 pm

An artist's impression as Jamieson and Carry prepares to take over the units nearby in a major expansion scheme. Image: Jamieson and Carry

Jamieson and Carry has unveiled million-pound plans to transform a pair of long-vacant units next to the Aberdeen institution.

The announcement comes as business leaders and politicians attend an emergency summit on the decline of Union Street.

The family-run jewellers dates back to 1733 and has occupied the same space on the Granite Mile since 1925 – experiencing first-hand its highs and lows over the decades.

What are the new Jamieson and Carry expansion plans?

The independent firm says the new plans “reaffirm its commitment” to the city centre.

Jamieson and Carry bought the adjoining former All Saints clothes shop following its closure in 2019.

Jamieson and Carry seen here in 1963 before the Trinity Centre across the road was built. Aberdeen Journals Ltd

They say it will allow for an “increased Rolex window”.

And the company has also purchased what was The Money Shop across the road at the corner of Union Street and Belmont Street.

It will become Aberdeen’s first Tag Heuer boutique watch shop, amid “growing demand” locally for the Swiss brand.

Before becoming the All Saints clothes shop, Fopp was where it was at for Aberdeen music fans in the early 2000s. Image: Kami Thomson/DCT Media

The announcement follows major upgrading of the B-listed Union Street store’s exterior which is due to finish this month.

Christopher Carry, a partner at Jamieson and Carry, is among the big-name traders taking part in today’s talks.

This image from June shows the store surrounded by scaffolding as the building underwent a major package of upgrades. Image: Ben Hendry/DCT Media

Expansion plans as retail faces need to change

Unveiling these proposals, tipped to cost more than £1 million, he explained the need to adapt.

Mr Carry said: “As luxury retail has changed rapidly over the last five years, we recognised that we needed to enhance our current surroundings and the experience we offer.

“We recognise the challenges faced by high streets across the country and the importance of working together for the good of the city.

Our plans are all part of this wider plan to improve the retail offering of the city centre.”

Christopher Carry in the shop’s Rolex area in 2018. The Jamieson and Carry expansion will allow the store to showcase more wares. Picture by Chris Sumner

He added: “The city centre receives a hard time and, like everyone, we want to see Aberdeen as an attractive retail destination.

“The strong turnout by the business community at the summit that took place yesterday shows a collective commitment to work together and improve Union Street and the surrounding area.”