Two years after government first announced plans for revitalising George Town, including closing Cardinall Avenue to vehicular traffic, a well-known retailer has opened its redesigned shop, embracing the vision of a more aesthetically pleasing downtown area.
Kirk Freeport reopened its newly renovated TAG Heuer luxury watch boutique, at the corner of Cardinall Avenue and Seafarers Way, on Thursday, 21 Feb., with Chris Kirkconnell, vice president of operations, saying government’s efforts reinforced his company’s decision to invest in revitalising its locations.
“This is one of the corner buildings for Cardinall Avenue, so we felt that this is where we needed to start with the renovations,” he said at an event marking the reopening of the store. “We have plans that within the next 12 to 18 months, we’ll spread through the rest of Cardinall Avenue. We have a lot going on, and the centre of town will be completely rejuvenated.”
The building design includes large windows open to the waterfront, light wood interior and black accents, Kirkconnell, a former Chamber of Commerce president, said.
“It brings so much life to the space,” he said of the contrasting elements. “You will see some similarities throughout the world so wherever you go, you can feel a piece of TAG Heuer. But then they try to bring a little bit [of the Cayman Islands], making sure you can see the ocean and you can get a local feel.”
The decor still maintains a Caribbean feel, featuring the works of Jamaican artist and marine conservationist Guy Harvey.
Jeanna Williams and Justina Anderson, who attended the event, told the Compass they appreciated the atmosphere of the new store and believe it is a good addition to downtown.
“This is definitely upscale,” Anderson said. “I don’t recall seeing anything like this in quite a long time.”
Kirkconnell said he takes pride in the longstanding partnership with the renowned Swiss brand.
“TAG Heuer has not only been one of the leading brands in the world, but it has been one of the cornerstone brands for Kirk Freeport since the infancy of our company,” he said while fondly recalling the first watch his parents gifted him – a TAG Heuer Formula 1.
Kirkconnell said he recently gave that watch and the Carrera model he had purchased for himself to his own children. He said it has been rewarding to work with the brand through the years, and he is excited for this new chapter.
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