Sotheby’s Opens Its First Luxury Retail Destination

Sotheby’s has launched a luxury retail shop — the first such venture by an auction house, according to the company — inside Bucherer’s flagship store in Zurich, Switzerland.

The Sotheby’s Salon is a cross-category, 160-square-meter space on the newly built third floor of the Swiss watch and jewelry retailer. The shop features jewelry, watches, handbags and accessories, as well as sneakers, high-end streetwear, art, and sports memorabilia, Sotheby’s said last week. It also contains a wine and spirits bar with an assortment of drinks curated by Sotheby’s master of wine Vanessa Conlin.

The auction house conceived the salon as a social destination where collectors could gather, learn, and share their passions discreetly and privately. Clients can purchase its regularly updated products on the spot, bid in live and online auctions, and participate in Sotheby’s Sealed, a mix between auctions and private sales.

“We developed the concept…over two years ago,” said Josh Pullan, head of the Sotheby’s global luxury division. “Our shared vision was to create an experience that brought clients together to celebrate the joy of collecting and to expand their knowledge. Every detail has been designed to deliver an ultra-luxury experience and ensure we go beyond clients’ expectations of luxury shopping.”

Separately, Sotheby’s is also launching its first sale dedicated to men’s jewelry. Taking place in New York from September 23 to October 5, the event will feature more than 100 pieces from the mid-19th century to the present day. With designers including Cartier, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels, the items on offer will range from $3,000 to $300,000.

Image: The new Sotheby’s salon in Bucherer. (Sotheby’s)