Perth-based pearl farmer Atlas South Sea Pearl is launching a flagship store in Claremont as it looks to make the transition from producer to retailer.
The concept store will be branded perl’eco, and launched later this month, chairman Stephen Birkbeck said.
The store will also incorporate a gallery space which will host the Nomad Two Worlds collection by Perth-born photographer Russell James.
“We see this as an important next step in the company’s future, and we’re excited to see the Claremont showroom and the art gallery begin to take shape,” Mr Birkbeck said.
“This move marks a turning point in Atlas’ journey to become not only one of the world leaders in pearl farming, but the retailer of choice for responsible and discerning lovers of South Sea jewels.”
Mr Birkbeck said the company was also in discussions with USA-based parties in relation to the scaling up of pearl by-product exports to Europe for the perfume and cosmetics industry.
Atlas is discussing the joint processing and distribution of value-added products into luxury goods and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as leading edge extraction methodologies from pearl powder and oyster tissue.
At close of trade today Atlas' stock was down nearly 5 per cent, to 10 cents.
