SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Northeastern Fine Jewelry announced today it will more than double its showroom space at its flagship store in Schenectady, NY, located at 1607 Union Street. The need for the expanded showroom follows an extended period of steady growth in consumer demand, which culminated in an increase in year over year sales at the Schenectady store of more than 20% in 2010.
The purchase of the new building will yield an additional 1,500 square feet of showroom space — more than double the amount currently available.
Northeastern Fine Jewelry has entered into an agreement to purchase the adjacent building on Union Street in order to expand its retail footprint. Normal operations will continue during the refurbishing and incorporation of additional showroom space. The current tenant in the adjacent building will relocate within the Upper Union Street Business District.
“Our Union Street store has been one of the region’s most popular jewelry stores for 30 years,” said Ray Bleser, owner and founder of Northeastern Fine Jewelry. “We’ve had a tremendous start to the year and we’re excited to be able to offer a wider selection to our loyal customers.”
A graduate of the Albany College of Pharmacy, Bleser founded his flagship store on Upper Union Street in 1980 as the Northeastern Coin Gallery with 1,200 square feet of showroom space. Five years later, Bleser turned his attention to fine jewelry and renamed his business to reflect its new focus. In 2005, the storefront was remodeled to commemorate its 25th anniversary.
As the incoming chair of The Chamber of Schenectady County, Bleser is proud to contribute to ongoing revitalization efforts. Schenectady officials have noted his success growing Northeastern Fine Jewelry and his interest in the county’s overall economic development.
Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “It is terrific news for Schenectady that Ray Bleser will be expanding his store on Upper Union Street. We thank Ray and his team for their commitment to the City and to the Upper Union Street Business District.”
“Neighborhood Business Districts are so important to the vitality of a community and this expansion makes Upper Union Street an even better district,” said Schenectady County Legislator Gary Hughes. “I congratulate Ray Bleser and his team for their continued growth and thank them for their commitment to Schenectady and Upper Union Street.”
Voted four consecutive years the “Best Jeweler of the Capital Region” by readers of the Times Union, Northeastern Fine Jewelry is widely acclaimed for its original and inviting neighborhood storefronts; its award-winning customer service and support; and its extensive offering of premier jewelry brands, including Cartier, Breitling, Hearts on Fire, Lagos, Kwiat, Simon G, John Hardy, Roberto Coin, Mikimoto, Lazare Kaplan and many more.
The company currently employs 37 full- and part-time associates, including 17 staff members at its Schenectady location.
The Union Street store is open Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Northeastern Fine Jewelry has additional locations at 1575 Western Avenue in Albany and at 4620 Main Street in Manchester, Vermont.
About Northeastern Fine Jewelry
Northeastern Fine Jewelry is the largest independently owned jeweler in the Capital Region. Northeastern Fine Jewelry is recognized as one of the Leading Jewelers of the World® and in 2006-2010 was voted “Best Jeweler” of the Capital Region due to its reputation for quality jewelry and customer service as well as its charitable and civic involvement. For more information about Northeastern Fine Jewelry, visit its newly redesigned website www.nefj.com or call 518-372-3604.
Contact:
Mark Bardack or David Filkins
Ed Lewi Associates
518-383-6183
mbardack@edlewi.com
dfilkins@edlewi.com