Experienced watch repair specialist Michael Hall opens new shop at a Liverpool city region Victorian shopping arcade – for people with time on their hands. Andrew Brown reports
An experienced watch repair specialist has opened a shop inside Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport.
Watchcraft is the latest addition to the 126-year-old Victorian arcade, on Lord Street, after relocating from Beales department store nearby.
The business also provides other services including jewellery repairs, and also offers trophies and awards, with additional shops in Burscough and Ellesmere Port.
Watchcraft owner Michael Hall said: “We were based inside Beales department store for the past 18 months before it shut down recently. I have been in Beales for many years on and off.
“It was a shame when it closed. We were doing very well there. But we are delighted to have opened inside Wayfarers Shopping Arcade.
“With over 40 years’ experience in the watch and jewellery trade, and with knowledge of repairing all brands, I decided to set up Watchcraft. Work is completed in our own workshop, and all work is guaranteed.
“We provide watch repairs, fix watch straps and watch glasses, and sell watch batteries.
“With watches, there is very little that we can’t do. People are welcome to call in and see our new range of watches, which includes a selection of children’s time tutor watches. We provide a jewellery repair service.
“I work alongside my wife, Caroline, we make a great team. Caroline manages the trophies and awards side of our business.
“If you need trophies, or trophy engraving, then that is something we can help customers with. We do them for customers including primary schools, high schools, colleges, sports clubs and others.
“We couldn’t be in a better location than Wayfarers Shopping Arcade. It’s right in the centre of Lord Street, so it is really convenient for anyone who wants to call in and chat with us. When the opportunity came up to move into Wayfarers, we jumped at it.”
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Watchcraft is among a number of new businesses which have opened inside Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in recent months.
They include Gallery More, Design By Gavriela, Lily May, Lah de Dah, Nina’s Cigars, The Engine Room, Ruthie Illustrations, Southport Bazaar, Yours Sincerely and Brandwall, adding to others already established including The Master Barber’s, Medusa Gems, The Hair Lounge, Pudding & Pie, LM Beauty, David Booth Gallery, ARTartisans and Ideal Accessories. More are in the pipeline.