ADVERTISING FEATURE: Banks Lyon Jewellers sparkles in Lancaster for 40 years

A family jewellers in Lancaster are celebrating 40 years in business with a new look to their stunning city centre showroom.

Banks Lyon Jewellers was opened in 1985 by couple Rodney and Jasmin Banks Lyon and has a hard-earned reputation as the premier jeweller and watch retailer in the North West - showcasing the finest jewellery and timepieces including Omega, Cartier, TAG Heuer, IWC, Hublot, Breitiling, Longines, Tissot, Hamilton and Garmin.

Earlier this year, the business expanded into additional premises and now extends from 36 to 44 Church Street.

A refurbishment of the Banks Lyon shoe shop, following the retirement of Rodney's brother Jonathan, has ensured the historic building remains in the family.

The Banks Lyons have been a cherished part of Lancaster's retail landscape since 1887, with a presence on Church Street dating back to 1904.

LISTEN to Rodney Banks Lyon talking about 40 years of Banks Lyon Jewellers

The Banks Lyon family originally opened their store in 1887 when Rodney's great, great grandfather commenced trading in shoes in North Road, Lancaster.

In 1904, both family and business moved to the current location in Church Street. The family lived above the shop premises for many years before they moved out in the 1930s.

"My grandfather ran the business whilst my father went to war, returning in 1945 when the business, through his stewardship, grew and expanded into 38 and 40 Church Street," said Rodney.

"In the early 1970s my eldest brother took over the shoe business and my father supported me by agreeing to rent No. 40 Church Street to me.

"This is where I opened Banks Lyon Jewellers in 1985, with OMEGA watches as our lead brand. The same is true today." 

In 1995, just 10 years after opening, Banks Lyon expanded into the former Lancaster Guardian offices which now makes up the main showroom.

"The adjacent Lancaster Guardian offices came onto the market, which I quickly snapped up," said Rodney.

"This trebled our floor space overnight and enabled us to take on more brands such as Cartier, Breitling and TAG-Heuer to name only a few, further establishing ourselves as a destination jewellers."

In 1999, Banks Lyon Jewellers launched their first website. Banks Lyon was one of the first jewellers to go online and - to some extent - lead the way.

Never one to stand still and keen to give clients the best retail experience, Banks Lyon embarked upon a major store refurbishment in 2005, which saw the incorporation of the two units either side of the central unit.

Keen not to be seen as purely a retailer of fine watches, exclusive jewellery brands were added to the range, with FOPE gold jewellery and an expansion of Georg Jensen.

In May 2024, Banks Lyon announced the grand opening of the exclusive OMEGA Room at the Lancaster store, allowing clientele to explore the prestigious world of OMEGA, renowned for its innovative and exquisite watchmaking.

The OMEGA Room is a testament to the enduring legacy and superior craftsmanship that OMEGA has championed since its inception, and marks a significant milestone in Banks Lyon's long-standing relationship with OMEGA, having been an official stockist since 1985.

Rodney said the latest expansion has now made the overall shop "four or five times the size" of the original which opened in 1985.

He said "it has given us the opportunity to expand our shopping experience" and was done to "give something back and show confidence in the Lancaster high street".

"It's not just about coming in and buying something off the shelf," he said.

"We want to get to know our customers. We have a lovely hospitality area with a bar, a lovely dining area where we entertain clients.

"We want to make a success of the expansion we've invested into the Lancaster high street. I very much believe there is a need for a jewellers to be on the high street and to let our customers see and feel these beautiful objects.

"I think we're unique in the north of England, and the country, in one location offering our customers the opportunity to see and try Cartier, OMEGA, Breitling, IWC, TAG-Heuer, Longines, Hublot, Tissot, Hamilton and Garmin.

"I don't believe any other jeweller in the country has that portfolio of watch brands. We've got that in Lancaster."

Rodney also praised the staff and the next generation of his family of jewellers.

"Partly why we've been so successful, is because we've got a great team here," he said.

"We are a family business and we treat everyone as part of the family.

"My daughter and son-in-law are now taking on the reins of the business from myself. I've very much stepped back but still involved in the background.

"With Maxine and Johnny, I know the business is in extremely good hands."

So here's to the next 40 years of Banks Lyon Jewellers, and beyond!

Below, John Francis, Maxine Banks Lyon and Rodney Banks Lyon from Banks Lyon Jewellers

Find out more about Banks Lyon Jewellers at their website HERE.