Story Highlight
– Lunn family transformed Belfast’s luxury watch and jewellery scene.
– New Rolex boutique recently unveiled in Queen’s Arcade.
– Business grew from a small counter to multiple units.
– Family resilience helped navigate economic and social challenges.
– Emphasis on exceptional customer service and brand experience.
Full Story
The Lunn family, spanning three generations, has evolved a modest counter in Belfast’s Queen’s Arcade into a prominent destination for luxury watches and jewellery in the UK. With the recent inauguration of a flagship Rolex boutique at the arcade’s entrance, Peter Lunn OBE, the executive chairman, along with his son John, the managing director, and daughter Susie, the marketing and creative director, shared insights on their heritage, resilience, and the future of independent retail.
Peter Lunn began his journey in the 1950s after leaving his position as a director at the well-known jeweller Sharman D. Neill, spurred by his mother to establish his own business. He started with a small unit in Queen’s Arcade, which he gradually expanded as demand grew, driven by strong relationships with suppliers who extended credit based on trust. “A handshake between diamond dealers was all it took,” he recalled.
Initially stepping into the family business while still a schoolboy in the mid-1960s, Peter shifted his aspirations from architecture to jewellery, gaining valuable experience at prestigious establishments such as Omega. “Omega was such a powerful brand, and we have been working with them ever since,” he noted.
Over the years, the transition of leadership occurred gradually, culminating in significant milestones such as acquiring the entirety of Queen’s Arcade in 2002. This pivotal move was driven by a determination to control their destiny, especially after facing turbulence during the 2007-08 financial crisis. “We took on a significant amount of debt at a time when the property market was booming, but then it crashed,” Peter explained.
John reflected on the challenges faced during this period, highlighting the success of their Portfolio of Fine Diamonds business, which contributed significantly to their resilience. “It has been phenomenally successful and has been instrumental in the growth and strength of our business,” he stated.
While jewellery initially dominated their sales, Peter noted a shift over the decades towards watches becoming a larger segment of their turnover. He praised the evolution of the luxury watch market, as modern consumers now arrive with specific brand preferences, contrasting with past trends where recommendations were more general.
The greater landscape of Belfast has also witnessed dramatic changes, as local businesses adapt and thrive. “Belfast has gone from strength to strength,” John observed, noting his involvement with the Belfast Chamber of Trade while Suzie contributes her insights as a board member of Visit Belfast. They are keenly aware of the city’s transformation, paralleling a reinvigoration of Queen’s Arcade as a prime shopping destination.
Reflecting on their past challenges, Peter shared harrowing memories of incidents during The Troubles that marked their business’s history. He recalled a severe event where an explosion occurred at the arcade, a reminder of the difficult environment of the time. “People would regularly walk over rubble and drop off a watch for repair,” he recalled, indicating the normalization of violence during that period.
As Belfast now radiates growth and opportunity, the family sees their role as integral to the community’s development. “We have longstanding relationships with our clients,” John emphasized, believing that their family business’s roots set them apart from larger retailers.
As they prepare for the future, John and Susie discussed ongoing investments in both the infrastructure of Queen’s Arcade and the overall shopping experience. With the opening of the new Rolex boutique, they aim to elevate the atmosphere, blending hospitality with retail to create memorable experiences for customers. “Nothing beats the mix of hospitality and retail we bring to clients when they come to our stores,” John stated.
As they look ahead, the family is excited about upcoming projects, particularly enhancing their flagship showroom experience and storytelling for brands like Patek Philippe. The Lunn family remains committed to their heritage while shaping the future of independent retail in Belfast.
