Online watch retailer WatchPilot to open first high street store in Richmond
Men’s and women’s online watch retailer WatchPilot, which was founded in 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, is to open its first physical store at 6 George Street in Richmond, Surrey, on 3 November 2022.
Carrying a broad range of watches from the likes of Versace, Ted Baker, Garmin, Tissot, G-Shock, Guess, U-Boat and Victorinox, as well as a selection of sunglasses from Ray-Ban, Oakley, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and Versace, among others, the WatchPilot business was founded by Co-Directors Tim Harrison and Akbar Hussain after a chance meeting and their long-standing passion for watches. Each have an extensive collection of their own.
The original plan was to open a physical store much sooner, but due to the pandemic plans were pushed back as they concentrated on building the website offering.
Tim Harrison said: “We will continue to grow our online presence, however, particularly within the luxury side of watch retail, there will always be demand for a premium in store experience. If our initial Richmond store proves successful, we are open to replicating the concept in other similar locations.
“We will provide a premium shopping service delivered by a staff of watch experts in a relaxed modern retail environment."
Akbar Hussain commented: “We are looking to deliver a local retail alternative in the Richmond area which will offer leading Swiss as well as fashion brands along with smaller niche brands that do not gain the visibility they deserve in major national retailers.”
WatchPilot has worked with Redd Retail Group, a leading international design and display company specialising in the watch, jewellery and accessories categories, to help design and provide the new concept store which will allow shoppers to browse with ease while also providing comfortable consultation areas where watch experts can provide advice.
To complement the new store, the website has also undergone a recent re-design and upgrade to deliver a “world class modern digital shopping experience”, including engaging video content.
