St Helier’s high street has seen a series of openings, refurbishments and relocations over the past year across retail and hospitality, reflecting ongoing investment in the town centre.
One of the businesses marking a milestone this winter is jeweller Hettich, which is approaching the first anniversary of a King Street store.
“Reaching the first anniversary of our new store feels like the perfect moment to reflect on what investment can achieve – not just for individual businesses, but for the wider high street,” said Jeff Chinn, Managing Director of Hettich.
Nick Chinn, Director at Hettich, added: “A thriving high street is about more than retail. It’s about experience, community and pride in place. We’ve been encouraged to see so many other local businesses share that belief and commit to St Helier over the past year.”
Alongside Hettich’s anniversary, a number of other businesses have opened, refurbished or relocated premises in the town centre.
Hospitality venues The Bear and Blakes have launched new premises, while Sage has been redeveloped following its transition from the former Colmar restaurant site. Sage is part of Quaystreet Restaurants, which also operates Quayside and Bar Nautique.
“At Quaystreet we are really excited to see so many new high-quality businesses opening and trading in the centre of St Helier,” said David Voisin, Quaystreet Director. “For too long this part of Jersey has felt neglected and there is a real buzz being generated now. We are looking forward to this year and wish all of those businesses, whether in hospitality or retail, such as Hettich a fantastic 2026 and look forward to working with as many of them as possible.”
New retail operators Drew & May and Fig & Willow have also opened curated spaces combining fashion and lifestyle products.
“Over the past 12 months a number of stores, including Hettich, have made a significant investment in St Helier and the government continues to invest in the town centre,” explained Katherine Wilkinson, owner of Fig & Willow. “The improvements are reinvigorating King Street. Since opening Fig & Willow we’ve been delighted with the feedback from residents and visitors – many confirming their support of King Street and Jersey as a repeat short break destination.”
Elsewhere in St Helier, Mange Tout has opened new high street premises, while bakery and café Dandy has expanded into Sand Street.
The team at Dandy say the decision to invest in new premises reflects belief in the long term vitality of the high street. “We have great confidence in St Helier and are finding the level of investment coming from local businesses inspiring and reassuring that others feel the same,” added Jamie Hooker, founder of Dandy. “The appetite for people to go out and spend money has always been there but I think people are becoming more discerning in where and how they spend their money which has led to the struggle some of the more traditional high street brands have faced. People also love supporting local when they can.”
