Jeweller Astwood Dickinson is to move its flagship retail store into a new home in Orbis House at 25 Front Street.

Part of the AS Cooper Group, the 111-year-old jeweller said today it had signed a long-term lease with the landlords and would occupy approximately 5,000 square feet on the ground floor.

The company hopes to get the go-ahead from planning officials to work on the new store’s interior and hopes to have the work completed within two months, James Boyce, a prtner in the firm, said yesterday.

The jeweller employs nine people, having taken on two new staff since Christmas. It will hold a relocation sale at its current store at 83-85 Front Street, starting this Friday.

Astwood Dickinson also revealed it will start work on a second new store venue in the Walker Arcade, which runs between Front Street and Reid Street, in order to re-establish the Astwood Dickinson boutique from 47 Front Street.

A spokeswoman said the “AD Arcade” would be a “mini store with select high end brands”.

Somers Cooper, of AS Cooper Group, said: “The location and space offered the perfect setting to create our new flagship storefront as exclusive agents to some of the world’s most prestigious jewellery and watch brands.

“Our clientele will have the opportunity to preview collections on display as well as receive private one-to-one service on site.

“We have been working hard over the last 12 months to bring new and exciting luxury product to Bermuda. In parallel we have also instituted an intensive staff training programme based around world-class standards and high-level product knowledge.

“Just recently Astwood Dickinson has seen three of our sales team pass GIA certification courses. We look forward to showcasing our new product and skills.”

Mr Boyce added: “The two new Astwood Dickinson stores will certainly solidify our position as a world-class jeweller and we believe both will be very well received by our Bermuda and overseas customers.”