Hettich plans to make former Burton store jewel in the town

Tuesday 20 July 2021

Hettich is moving across King Street, with plans to restore the former Burtons store building to its former glory.

After 121 years of occupying 1 King Street, the family-owned firm purchased the opposite corner formally housing Burtons menswear store on Friday.

The new showroom will cover 3,000 sq ft and there is more space on the second floor for storage and offices.

The business’s Managing Director, Jeffrey Chinn (pictured top), said: “For more than 100 years, Hettich has reinvented itself to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers, while our attention to detail, excellence in service quality and unique craftsmanship has remained unchanged. 

“Our new showroom will echo our remarkable values and retain the air of elegance Hettich is renowned for. All of us here are excited about moving into a new era and look forward to sharing more details on our expansion soon.”

Pictured: Burton left Jersey's high street after nearly 90 years last winter.

Mr Chinn added that the restoration and renovation of the former Burton building, which was built in the early 1930s in the art deco style, would take some time and would have to go through the planning process.

Therefore, he couldn’t yet set an opening date, but it would not be this year.

He added that the business would trade as normal at 1 King Street, who’s own fate is yet to be determined. 

“We have enormous affection for our current home, and we will have to see if we remain here in some guise or move entirely over to the other side. 

“This is a major investment in the heart of St. Helier and we’re delighted to be playing our part in revitalising the precinct.”

Pictured: The foundation stone of the Burton building was laid by Stanley Burton, the son of the shop’s founder Montague, in 1932.

Burton had always owned 2-4 King Street but the company collapsed when its parent Arcadia Group went into administration in 2020. 

Online retailer Boohoo.com bought the brand from administrators in February, prompting Burton's official departure from the island's high street, alongside Dorothy Perkins.