Celebrating One Years Service, with Mappin & Webb's Nicola Edwards

Nicola Edwards joined us in August 2018 as the Manager of our Mappin & Webb boutique in Glasgow, so in celebration of her one year anniversary, I caught up with her to find out more about what makes Mappin & Webb, and Glasgow, so fabulous. 

You've been a part of The Watches of Switzerland Group for a year now. What were you doing before you joined us?

I joined The Watches of Switzerland Group in August 2018 to manage our beautiful Glasgow showroom, situated in the iconic Argyll Arcade, looking on to Buchanan Street. Prior to Mappin & Webb and since leaving University, I worked with another jeweller, a family business, and moved around various stores throughout Scotland, latterly managing their flagship store in Edinburgh.

So what made you decide to join Mappin & Webb?

Having been in the trade for many years, I was attracted to the fact that The Watches of Switzerland Group is the largest jewellery group in the UK, with fantastic learning & development teams, specific development programmes and unbeatable stock ranges available across the Estate. Specifically, I love the history of Mappin & Webb and the fact that the name is synonymous with luxury and quality. The Glasgow showroom itself is just stunning, and I knew it would give me the opportunity of working with such exciting brands in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Scotland.

How did you first hear about Mappin & Webb?

Mappin & Webb is known to be the reputable Jeweller of choice in Glasgow and both clients and colleagues in the trade can remember it from previous years, prior to it moving into the Arcade, which is arguably the best location in the city!

What makes Glasgow so special?

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and it is such a lively and diverse place to visit. It can be as fast paced or relaxed as you want it to be and has activities to cater for all tastes. From live gigs at The SECC Hydro, or the infamous Barrowlands, to restaurants galore, or for those who prefer to explore the city’s culture, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Musuem or the Riverside Museum are all free to visit. Our boutique looks on to Buchanan Street in Glasgow, which is also known as 'The Style Mile' and the 'Golden Z,' which is a shopper’s paradise. In a recent poll, Glasgow was voted the 'friendliest city in the world,' and our catchphrase, that THE PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW, is most certainly true!

Tell us more about the boutique's recent refit... 

Our showroom was refitted two years ago, with free standing bespoke displays created on the lower floor, allowing our clients to enjoy our jewellery ranges such as Fope, Messika, Maison Birks and Roberto Coin, to the fullest advantage. We have dedicated seated areas for our brands, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Breitling. We created a peaceful bridal showroom on our upper floor, with sofas, a designing area and also a giftware department, which recognises our heritage and Royal Warrants.

We are lucky to have the most wonderful marble staircase, which has been witness to many snapshots capturing the most special of moments for our clients. As our building is listed, our clients can still see some original features in all their glory and our showroom is definitely the perfect partnership between traditional and modern.

You've already touched on this, but tell us some more about the brands you have in the boutique...

We are so lucky to be surrounded by arguably the best luxury brands on the market. We are the only agents for Cartier in Glasgow and we also have Breitling and Jaeger-LeCoultre instore boutiques. Alongside these, we have TAG Heuer and a fantastic pre-owned watch selection; we really are the destination of choice for every luxury watch purchase.

Across the Mappin & Webb estate, we have brands such as Omega, IWC and Hublot, so there really is no reason to purchase from anywhere else! With jewellery, we have our own collections which include Masquerade, Carrington and Empress and we are the only stockists in the city of the amazing Parisian Messika range and Maison Birks.

What’s the best thing about working with your team?

The team in Glasgow is so diverse, with many long standing members of staff who have 15 to 20 years experience, working alongside newer colleagues, who bring different ideas and experiences to the mix. We have watch experts and some of the team have trained as bench jewellers, so their expertise is invaluable when we are helping clients to design their dream jewellery item. Our team is very focused around making sure every client's experience is perfect, making unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.

If money was no object, what piece would you buy?

A beautiful bi-colour diamond set Ballon Bleu Cartier watch. So elegant and feminine, although I would have to accessorise it with jewellery from our Messika range, which is exquisite. There is too much to choose from!

Can you tell people what they can expect when visiting the boutique if they are looking for an engagement ring or wedding bands?

We have a jewellery and bridal area within our showroom on our upper floor, where you can sit with our team of experts and explore all of the options that Mappin & Webb has to offer including bespoke, our By Appointment service. We are Crown Jeweller to the Queen, so come and relax, whilst trying on our stunning ranges, which we have displayed around the boutique, all whilst enjoying a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne, or indeed, our own Mappin & Webb cocktails!