First Ortak 'boutique' outlet opens

ORTAK, the Orcadian jewellery brand, has unveiled a "boutique" look for its stores with the opening of its first outlet in Stirling.

The family-owned designer and manufacturer of gold and silver jewellery has continued to invest in the brand during the recession. It spent 250,000 on setting up the "concept" store in Stirling. The "contemporary" look will be rolled out across the brand's portfolio.

The store at the Thistles shopping centre will take the brand's retail portfolio to 15 and employees to 151.

Alistair Gray, Ortak managing director, said: "We felt it was the right time to expand.

"With many empty retail units throughout the country, we've taken advantage of the competitive deals available."

Edinburgh-based 442 Design was behind the new image.

Ortak, which is on target to generate a turnover of 7.6 million this year, has also invested more than 200,000 in relocating its Glasgow Argyle Street store to the St Enoch Centre.

Actress Jill Halfpenny, who is starring in a London production of Calendar Girls, is the face of Ortak's latest campaign.