The Royal Shop, Barbados

The Royal Shop is one of the oldest family owned luxury retailers in Barbados. As one of the island's leading watch and jewellery stores, you will find some of the world's top watch brands like Raymond Weil, Rado, Chopard, Maurice Lacroix, Longines and Movado and fun fashionable watches by Guess, Tissot, Swiss Army, Esquire, Ice, Swatch, Seiko, Casio and Citizen. The Royal Shop carries an impressive range of fine jewellery from elite brands like Chopard, Marco Bicego, Rebecca, Belle étiole and Io si. 

The Royal Shop Broad Street Location. 

Image

I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Thani of The Royal Shop last week to talk about his family, his success and his business. I was taken on a journey of hard work, determination and later success that originated in 1976 when The Royal Shop was first opened in Barbados. The Royal Shop’s first location was Nicholas House in Bridgetown where Thani and family sold china, crystal, souvenirs and jewelry. From early on relationships were very important to Mr. Thani and he traveled the Caribbean and even to New York to meet with friends and family in search of brands to carry. After years of experimenting and trials Mr. Thani finally decided on carrying jewelry only in The Royal Shop. 

Bridgetown, Barbados

Image

In 1985 Mr. Thani decided to “step up the game” and traveled to Switzerland. His first stop was to Rolex and after, Piaget, Movado and Raymond Weil. He returned to Barbados with some of the world’s most reputable jewelry brands under his belt. Another step in elevating the business was to move location. In the late 80’s Mr. Thani purchased their current Bridgetown location – 32 Broad Street. A designer was brought in from Miami to design the new jewelry store and the furniture was made locally. At this time they only occupied half of the present store today.

The Royal Shop Broad Street Location. 

Image

Mr. Thani made his way to Basel Switzerland every year since 1982 to meet with clients and add brands such as Longines, Chopard and Ebel to his already impressive portfolio. One consistent stop on his travels was always Rolex, though he was unsuccessful many times before Mr. Thani was determined to carry the luxury watch brand. In 2004 Mr. Thani reached another two milestones. He opened a second branch of The Royal Shop in the Bridgetown port and acquired perhaps his most notable brand yet. It was upon his return from India that Mr. Thani received a phone call from Rolex.  The Royal Shop has since been the single official Rolex retailer in Barbados. 

Mr Thani and his wife Nisha.

Image

Apart from being a highly reputed businessman and entrepreneur  Mr. Thani is the Vice President of the Duty Free Committee of The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and is affiliated with The Rotary Club of Barbados South. The Royal Shop truly is a labour of love between Hiranand Thani and his wife Nisha. The success of the company today is a result of their incredible determination and hard work over the years. Learn more about The Royal Shop and their products on their Facebook page.