JEWEL IN THE CROWN

20 Jul 2012

Thomas Jewellers will spend $3.3m renovating its Geelong store. ‘We feel it is going to be one of Australia’s most beautiful jewellery stores’– Geelong manager PAUL WHITTAKER

                                                                                                                                  GEELONG ADVERTISER, FRIDAY 20 JULY 2012 I 3

THOMAS Jewellers will spend $3.3 million upgrading its Geelong store in a sparkling statement of faith in central city trading. Geelong manager Paul Whittaker announced the plans for the upgrade yesterday, pledging a spectacular renovation on the corner of Moorabool and Malop streets and hoping it would set a powerful example for other businesses. ‘‘We feel it is going to be one of Australia’s most beautiful jewellery stores,’’ Mr Whittaker said. ‘‘This is a statement of faith in central Geelong. ‘‘We are a strong believer that the CBD will return to its former glory.’’ Word of the renovation drew admiration, joy and support from city leaders long troubled by flagging CBD trade and repeated economic body blows. Gartland Real Estate managing director Bob Gartland rated it the most significant CBD retail refit in memory. Mr Whittaker said work would start on July 30 and was scheduled to be complete for Christmas trading. The re-make would respect the character of the stately National Mutual building, including installation of a glass veranda on frontages to both streets and a veneer of black-and-white patterned fibreglass. An existing inset corner doorway would be built into the shop and the business would have a ‘‘grand entrance’’ to Moorabool St. ‘‘We’ve got 10 stores and this will be our flagship store,’’ Mr Whittaker said. ‘‘We’re not going to have the homewares, we’re going to specialise at what we’re good at. What we’re good at is jewellery and watchmaking.’’ The store would boast a specialist Swarovski crystal section. ‘‘There’s nothing like that in Australia, we’re pretty proud of that,’’ Mr Whittaker said. Thomas Jewellers set up in Ballarat in 1896 and opened a second store in Geelong in 1978. Its 10-strong chain includes one in central Melbourne. Mr Whittaker said the store would operate at halfsize for about six weeks before closing for seven weeks.

danny.lannen

@geelongadvertiser.com.au