Jay & Co and Boiler Room Records officially open their doors as KINGLAND further expands its diverse retail experience

The Dolphin* in Poole has welcomed two new retailers to KINGLAND, with Jay & Co and Boiler Room Records officially opening their doors yesterday (Monday 13th March 2023).

Jay & Co invited local media to enjoy a VIP first-look of its first bricks-and-mortar facility with welcome drinks and appetisers, and Boiler Room Records launched with an evening event accompanied by live music.  

Jay & Co opens in collaboration with existing KINGLAND retailer Restored Retro and is headed up by Jay Blades, renowned for his role on BBC TV programme, The Repair Shop. The restored furniture business originally found success online and is now moving into its first high street premises at KINGLAND. Working with restorers from artists and fabric houses, Jay & Co is a modern business focusing on extending the life of vibrant and unique home furniture. 

Steve Wyatt, owner of Restored Retro, said: “Fulfilling our ambition of bringing this collaboration to Poole high street is a dream come true for Jay & Co. We’re proud to be able to support Jay and the rest of the team during this really exciting time for the business, and we strongly believe that Jay & Co will fast become a staple shopping experience in Poole which fits easily into the KINGLAND setting. We really want the business to positively impact the shopping experience in Poole, and demonstrate that the traditional high street is very much alive and well.” 

Boiler Room Records has introduced its second store in Poole, with an existing Old Town branch already hugely popular with locals. The new store offers an expanded range of vinyl records and merchandise, focusing on new items, to complement its existing establishment, offering even more choice to music enthusiasts. Live music events will take place throughout the summer, featuring in-store DJ performances, to bring a new dynamic to The Dolphin experience. 

Mark Northey, owner of Boiler Room Records, said: “It is wonderful to finally have the second Boiler Room Records store open on such an engaging high street. The Poole community has been so supportive of our first storefront, making it an easy decision to expand to have a second offering in the heart of KINGLAND. We can’t wait to welcome shoppers through the doors in the coming weeks.” 

John Grinnell, centre manager at The Dolphin, commented: “In this period of growth for KINGLAND, it is hugely exciting to see these two new retailers opening their doors on the same day. The collaboration between Jay & Co and Restored Retro is exactly why the scheme was first launched, to boost entrepreneurship and provide independent businesses with a lively and buzzing retail platform in the heart of Poole.  

“Welcoming Boiler Room Records’ second shopfront in Poole town centre is another massive success story for KINGLAND. It highlights the ability of these much-loved local retailers to expand into the core of the community and utilise KINGLAND to further enhance their business and the shopping experience we provide here.” 

The Dolphin currently has more than 80 retailers with more newcomers due to arrive in the coming months. For regular updates on KINGLAND and The Dolphin, please follow @thedolphinpoole on Instagram and Facebook, or visit www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk.