ALBANY, N.Y. – Northeastern Fine Jewelry has been named one of America’s Coolest Jewelry Stores by INSTORE, the magazine for the American jewelry storeowner. The Capital Region business won honorable mention, marking a top 8 finish in the Big Cool division for stores with six or more employees.
More than 100 stores took part in the 17th annual contest that highlights the best examples of independent jewelry retailers in North America.
“Northeastern Fine Jewelry is thrilled to be recognized as one of the coolest jewelry stores in North America by INSTORE magazine,” said Ray Bleser, owner of Northeastern Fine Jewelry. “We put tremendous value in creating a unique and memorable shopping experience for our customers and this recognition speaks volumes about our ongoing efforts to constantly adapt and evolve our business to meet the needs of today’s shoppers.”
Stores are judged based on exterior and interior appearance, biography, marketing, web presence and overall individuality.
“Every year we feel privileged to bring our readers the best of the best in our industry,” said Trace Shelton, INSTORE’s editor-in-chief. “We look for qualities like innovative marketing, top-notch client service, a creative retail environment and a unique work culture.”
Founded by Bleser in 1980, Northeastern Fine Jewelry began as the Northeastern Coin Gallery with 1,200 square feet of showroom space on Upper Union Street in Schenectady. Five years later, Bleser turned his focus to fine jewelry and rebranded the business to its current incarnation. The family-owned business operates stores in Albany, Schenectady, Glens Falls and New York City.
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.
The top three winners in two divisions (“Small Cool” and “Big Cool”) are featured in the August issue of INSTORE and at instoremag.com, while honorable mention stores are featured as monthly Cool Stores in issues of INSTORE from September 2018 through June 2019.
For more information about the award, email Trace Shelton at [email protected].
About INSTORE Magazine
INSTORE Magazine helps America’s independently-owned jewelry store owners improve by providing them with smart ideas they can put directly into action each and every month and daily online at instoremag.com. INSTORE is published by Smartwork Media, which also publishes INVISION (for eye care professionals) and PETS+ (for pet store owners).
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 2006-2012 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 website www.nefj.com or call 518-372-3604.