A GLAMOROUS global brand launched a new retail initiative in Stroud with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a red carpet.

Pandora - one of the world’s largest jewellery brands - is now available at Sandersons department store at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre. 

It is the brand's first independent department store collaboration.

A bespoke branded area was unveiled with a ribbon cutting at the store on Thursday in time for the Christmas season.

The Pandora launch marks the start of three days of events and late-night opening at the town centre retail destination which has undergone a phased £30m programme of improvements.

The centre is owned and managed by Sheffield based development company, Dransfield Properties.

Chairman Mark Dransfield said attracting a global brand like Pandora marked a huge milestone in their plans for Five Valleys.

He said: “When we first looked at this centre five years ago it would have been hard to believe we could attract the brands that we now have here.

"We are incredibly proud that Pandora has chosen Sandersons to launch the company’s new concession format, it looks fantastic, and we are confident they will trade really well here in Stroud."

The branded area is at the front of the store with everything from the chain's iconic charm bracelets to earrings, rings, necklaces and the latest collections and services which are offered in Pandora stores.

The company is independent, and family owned and works with brands including Max Mara, Boss and Holland Cooper.

Founded in 1982 by Danish goldsmith Per Enevoldsen and his wife Winnie, Pandora has grown from a small jewellery shop in Copenhagen to an internationally recognised brand, present in over 100 countries.

Ross Monaghan, sales director at Pandora UK, said: “This marks a proud moment for Pandora as we open our first concession in collaboration with Sandersons.

"As a premium department store with values closely aligned to our own, this partnership feels like a natural fit.”

A special late night shopping event was also planned to mark the launch, featuring Ibiza DJ MINA and the Five Valleys street food market stayed open late.

Ducklings Toy Shop is due to move to the centre on Saturday.