Jeweller aims to rival Claire's and Monsoon offers

A south London restaurateur has launched a jewellery and accessories retailer to capture a slice of the market dominated by Claire's Accessories, Monsoon and Accessorize.

Tony Low, who owns the Noodle Time chain in south London, has secured his first handful of stores for Angelz, through retained agent Chase & Partners.

He is building on a recent store opening on Croydon's George Street, with further stores set to open at Croydon's Whitgift Centre and Romford's The Mall in Essex. A unit at an Essex shopping centre is in solicitors' hands.

'It is the start of a potential chain for Angelz,' said Chase & Partners retail agency surveyor Greg Westover. 'They saw a gap in the market and have gone for it.'

At The Mall in Romford, Angelz has taken a 10-year lease on a 2,000 sq ft (185 sq m) unit at£100,000 a year.

A three-month rent-free period was agreed. Douglas Stevens acted on behalf of landlord The Mall Corporation.