Wongs Jewellers celebrates national awards in its first year at Manchester Arndale

It has been a memorable first year in Manchester for Wongs Jewellers. The family-run jeweller opened its first store in the city at Manchester Arndale in late 2025, and in July 2026 it came home from the UK Jewellery Awards with two national titles.

Wongs was founded in Liverpool in 1979 and has stayed independent ever since, built around its own workshop, bespoke design and personal service. Today it has two showrooms, in Liverpool and Manchester, and the Manchester expansion was led by directors Peter Wong and Cynthia Cartwright.

The opening weekend set the tone. On the Friday a flashmob of carol singers filled the Arndale before founder Brian Wong cut the ribbon on the new store, seeing the finished shop for the first time. On the Saturday and Sunday, visitors were given a complimentary welded bracelet finished with a limited edition Manchester bee charm made for the occasion.

The awards followed quickly. At the UK Jewellery Awards, presented by Retail Jeweller and held in London on 8 July 2026, Wongs won Bridal Jewellery Retailer of the Year and Jewellery Retailer of the Year (Five Stores or Fewer). It had been shortlisted in four categories in total.

The Manchester store earned its own recognition. It was shortlisted for Store Design of the Year, even though it had been open for less than a year. Display specialist DG Display Showcase worked on the Manchester project, covering everything from spatial planning and custom showcases to lighting and after-sales maintenance.

The company's marketing also caught the judges' attention. Its "Welded by Wongs" campaign was shortlisted for Marketing/Social Media Campaign or Collaboration of the Year (Retail).

The bridal title builds on success closer to home. In June 2026 Wongs was named Best Jeweller at the County Brides North West Wedding Awards for the second year in a row. The ceremony was held at Park Hall Hotel in Chorley, and the award was collected by Mark, the manager of the Manchester store.

For couples in Greater Manchester shopping for engagement rings and wedding bands, it means an award-winning bridal specialist is now on their doorstep in the city centre, rather than a trip down the M62 away.

Wongs Jewellers is at Unit 87, Manchester Arndale. The company advises checking its Google listing for up-to-date opening hours before visiting, particularly in the busy weeks before Christmas.