Austen & Blake gets physical as it opens doors to new store at Westquay Shopping Centre in Southampton
Luxury jewellers Austen & Blake has announced the opening of its newest store in Southampton. This is situated in the Westquay Shopping Centre and showcases a wide selection of jewellery, including engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond jewellery and pieces designed for life’s most meaningful occasions. Both natural and lab created diamonds are available, as well as a range of coloured gemstones.
Customers will also be able to tap Austen & Blake’s specialist expertise and made to order service, with the team on hand to provide personalised advice when selecting a piece for a proposal, wedding, celebration or special gift.
James Harris, Regional Sales Manager at Austen & Blake, comments: "We're proud to bring Austen & Blake to Westquay in Southampton. This new store is where it’ll begin for so many of our customers' biggest moments: a home for engagements, weddings, anniversaries and gifts alike, right in the heart of the city. Westquay is one of the premier shopping and leisure destinations on the south coast, and we couldn't think of a better place to welcome our customers.”
“Every piece of jewellery is made to order, working closely with each customer to bring their vision to life rather than offering ready-made designs. We're excited to share this personal approach to Southampton and to be part of the community here.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
