by Menashe and Sons
A chain store and a jewelry store are two different concepts. Typically, jewelry stores have been well-known to provide a wide range of goods (jewelry) for retail sale. Chain stores, on the other hand, are retail outlets in different locations but under the same management and brand.
Many jewelry stores are chain stores. However, the opposite isn’t true. You can find many chains such as specialty stores and restaurants that aren’t considered jewelry stores. You might still be wondering what the actual difference is?
Read on
This article will explain all the key differences between a local Seattlejewelry store and a chain store, as well as why it would be preferable to opt for a local jewelry store
Local Jewelry Store
Typically, a local jewelry store is a large retail establishment that deals with selling jewelry and watches. A jewelry store offers a variety of services such as remodeling, repairs, designing, restoring, and manufacturing pieces
What merchandise is featured in department stores? Department stores offer a wide range of merchandise well-organized into separate documents and might include things like clothing for men, women, and kids. They might also include jewelry and accessories such as handbags, scarves and belts, cosmetics, and shoes. Some department stores even include small home appliances, such as sports equipment, electronics, home, furniture, and toys. Department stores are often part of a retail store consisting of retail stores in different places.
Jewelry Chain Stores
A chain store is a retail outlet in different locations and also shares central management and brand. It usually consists of standardized business methods. Chain stores can be branches owned by a single company, but others could be franchises owned individually. Chain stores have some common features including centralized marketing and buying, leading to reduced cost to the consumer and a more substantial profit for that store.
As previously stated, this article focuses on the advantage of opting for a local jewelry store rather than a chain store. Below is a detailed look at some of the reasons and benefits you could expect. Keep reading.
Quality Control
If you decide to visit a local independent jeweler, you will realize that the quality of the piece you purchase and/or design will be unique.
On the other hand, a person who is looking for an engagement ring can walk into any chain store and then leave with a ring that hundreds or thousands of people have bought. From precious metal to stone and setting, you could select and control that piece’s quality from its inception to the final product with a reliable, independent jeweler.
This will ensure that you walk away with an engagement ring that is truly one of a kind. Additionally, an independent jeweler can be far more knowledgeable and passionate about their products than an individual working in a chain. They will also provide you with quality, professional advice with no hidden tricks.
Retail involves more than just supporting your community. In the long run, you will want to appreciate a quality product. You should try as much as you can to focus on the readily available, wide range of local, finer quality jewelry.
Flexibility
In general, independent jewelers have a lot more flexibility when it comes to both pricing and customization. This is a huge selling point. You can also find a local jewelry store that provides in house financing, waive fees for repairs, discount to match if required, etc.
Economical
Quite frankly, independent local jewelry stores are generally more economical than chain stores. If you opt to buy from a local jewelry store, you will end up saving money on pieces with similar or greater quality compared to those found in chain stores. This is because of several reasons, some are discussed below.
Respect for your Budget
Local jewelry stores will show more respect for your budget than chain stores. Since independent jewelers are more passionate when it comes to their career and skill, they work with you to ensure that you get a piece that you are confident purchasing and proud to gift.
However, chains simply try to upsell for commission. Furthermore, local jewelry stores will be more flexible with preparing a payment plan that suits your financial requirements.
Premium Prices for Quality Only
With an independent jeweler, you know it's high-quality when it comes to premium prices, and not brand name. If you buy from a chain store, regardless of how reputable, you will find yourself incurring more for a diamond with a similar grading to one from a local jewelry store. It's because there is a stamp of the brand name on the inside. Although a local jewelry store may have exclusive pieces, the gimmick of earning money for a particular name is never an approach that will be take
Helps the Local Economy
You must have already seen this coming. Local jewelry stores are usually owned by individuals who are also part of the home community. Apart from walking out with a unique or rare piece of jewelry, supporting their businesses also means that you are keeping funds local rather than leaving that money in a corporate bank account.
Caring Relationships
A local jewelry store will genuinely care when you tell them of your story. For example, if you have a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease, they will help you sell their ring to pay for their medical bills. Those sentimental stories are the main reason why they care.
Excellent Experience & Knowledge
A local jeweler has exemplary knowledge of jewelry, which is primarily because jewelry is intimate and personal. Is there an intimate thing at a big box store? Apart from being passionate and experienced, a local independent jeweler will be extremely knowledgeable. In other words, independent jewelers generally offer a wealth of experiences and resources at your fingertips.
Exceptional Service
You’re viewed as a commission once you walk into a chain store. However, you are an actual person to an independent jeweler. Local jewelry stores are not just selling their wares, they’re selling their art and craft. That means they have a personal stake in every piece. Apart from educating their buyers, they will work with them and make something special, while being knowledgeable and honest.
Make the Right Choice
Is jewelry important to you? Then, do yourself a favor and ensure that you visit a local jewelry store to get something unique and beautiful.
