F Hinds opens new store in Harlow

F Hinds has opened one of its largest stores to open in 25 years, in Harlow’s Harvey Shopping Centre.

The opening was suitably marked by its first customer, Mark Rapley, who purchased an engagement ring after seeing it in the store’s diamond window display.

That same afternoon he proposed and Alyson Meek accepted, helping to celebrate the official opening of the retailer’s 119th store with local councillor Edna Stevens as the official ribbon cutter.

Andrew Hinds, director of the F Hinds and deputy-chairman of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), said the company was “delighted to have such a romantic story” to celebrate the new store.

He added: “I believe this is the first time that our very first customer wanted to make such a significant purchase to mark one of the happiest moments in their lives and we were delighted to have arrived in Harlow in the nick of time to help.”

The 1,900 sq ft store features five window displays with LED lighting, two seating areas for customers, an onsite watch and battery replacement centre and in-house jewellery and watch workshops.

Bryan Young, manager at the Harvey Centre, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome F Hinds to the Harvey Centre. The store is extensive and is beautifully stylish. It has an incredible diamond range as well as iconic jewellery, watch and gift brands across five sparkling windows.”