Audemars Piguet, the prestigious Swiss watchmaker, has announced its commitment to Manchester’s high-end retail district by securing the former Jack Wills store, a 13,000 sq ft space on King Street.

This new Manchester location will feature Audemars Piguet’s renowned AP House concept, designed to provide an exclusive retail experience. The AP House model focuses on personalised one-to-one appointments within bespoke private rooms, offering an intimate and tailored shopping experience.

Globally, AP House locations are established in major cities such as London, New York, Barcelona, Tokyo, and Zurich. The intention to open an AP House in Manchester was first revealed last year, though the specific location was only recently confirmed.

Audemars Piguet’s expansion into Manchester is in collaboration with Watches of Switzerland Group. This group has submitted plans for the new store at 35 King Street, which is owned by DTZ Investors. The premises have been mostly vacant since 2020 when Jack Wills exited, although it has hosted various pop-up stores in the interim.

According to a planning statement from Savills, Watches of Switzerland Group intends to undertake a “high-quality refurbishment of the original Georgian property, bringing it back into use as a retail store based on a townhouse concept.” This refurbishment aims to restore the property while providing a modern retail environment that aligns with Audemars Piguet’s luxury brand image.