In a bold step toward operational efficiency, Watches of Switzerland Group—the UK’s premier luxury watch retailer—has announced the closure of 16 showrooms across the UK. These Watches of Switzerland showroom closures are part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on high-performance retail locations.
🧭 Why Watches of Switzerland Is Shutting 16 Showrooms in the UK
Headquartered in Carlton Park, Leicestershire, the group operates 155 showrooms and employs over 700 support staff. The closures are part of a company-wide review aiming to enhance productivity and streamline operations.
“We continually assess our operations to remain as efficient and productive as possible,” said a company spokesperson.
🛍️ Luxury Retail Growth Continues Despite Showroom Closures
In fact, these closures provide an opportunity for the company to refocus its efforts on high-demand locations. Additionally, by streamlining operations, the brand can better allocate resources to areas with the greatest potential. As a result, growth remains strong, and the company is well-positioned for future success.
✅ Explore more on retail shifts: How Fashion Brands Are Adapting in 2025
📈 How Recent Expansion Led to These Watches of Switzerland Closures
In the last financial year, the company:
- Opened 22 new showrooms
- Refurbished 15 existing locations
- Acquired 15 stores via Ernest Jones
Such rapid expansion demands strategic recalibration for long-term profitability and sustainability.
✅ Read also: Exploring Retail Growth vs. Operational Efficiency: Striking the Balance. In this article, we delve into how businesses can successfully navigate the trade-offs between expansion and optimization. Ultimately, understanding this balance is crucial for long-term success in the competitive retail landscape.
👥 Impact of Watches of Switzerland Store Closures on Staff
About 40 jobs are at risk as part of the restructuring. The company emphasized that it will attempt to redeploy affected staff and support them through the transition.
“Our priority is to support all affected colleagues,” said the group.
🧭 What’s Next After the Watches of Switzerland Showroom Cuts?
Despite the closures, the company remains committed to continuing its growth strategy. In addition, it is focused on expanding its retail presence in key locations, all while ensuring a more efficient and profitable operation. As a result, the group aims to strengthen its position in the luxury market, ultimately positioning itself for sustained success. Furthermore, the company’s commitment to excellence ensures that these closures are part of a larger strategy for long-term growth.
- 📊 Operational optimization
- 🛒 Expanding premium showrooms
- 💼 Pursuing strategic acquisitions
These closures reflect a smarter, more focused approach to luxury retail in 2025 and beyond.
✅ Don’t miss: Luxury Market Trends to Watch in 2025
🔍 Luxury Market Strategy: Balancing Growth and Efficiency
The Watches of Switzerland showroom closures aren’t a step back, but rather a strategic course correction. By trimming underperforming locations, the group can effectively sharpen its focus on high-demand, high-value areas. As a result, this move will allow them to streamline operations and invest more resources in areas showing greater potential
Suggested Reading:
This strategic shift in luxury retail echoes broader tech-driven advancements in consumer products—like the recent Google Pixel Watch 3’s FDA-approved life-saving feature, which shows how industries are blending innovation with user-focused safety and efficiency
