Highlighting a WWBA Business
Lewis Jewelers
Lewis
Jewelers has been in business in Michigan since 1921. Founded by current
owner David Lewis’s grandfather, the original business had five locations
in Detroit. David opened the first Ann Arbor location in 1976 in the Maple
Village Shopping Center. He moved into their current location, a former
McDonald’s, at 2000 W. Stadium Blvd., 20 years ago.
Of their 27 full-time employees, they have four diamond setters who are also gold and platinum smiths, and four gemologists on staff. Many of their employees have been with the business for 35 years.
The store started as a “mom and pop” business selling Seiko and Citizens watches. They began making custom-made pieces in the 70s and 80s. Currently they sell a range of merchandise from $25 Pandora beads (they are authorized resellers of the jewelry) to 12 brands of high-end Swiss watches, loose diamonds and gemstones, rings, bracelets, and earrings. They still do custom work and are the only store in town that does all their work in-house. They also repair jewelry and perform appraisals. In spite of the recession, David says that his business is doing well. He believes that “recession fatigue” has continued for so long that people are tired of not being able to spend, especially with the stock market now rebounding. Despite the lean economy, Lewis Jewelers has continued selling to clientele who appreciate their more exclusive and expensive items.
Customer service is a major priority in their approach to doing business. In fact, Lewis Jewelers has been awarded Current magazine’s “#1 Jeweler in Ann Arbor” rating for the last 10 years and the Ann Arbor News’ “Best Jewelry Store” award the last 9 years.
Lewis Jeweler’s commitment to supporting local business led to their membership in the WWBA. They find that the recent cosmetic changes to the West Side have helped new and long-time business owners and have made the area a more viable shopping district. The store’s web site, www.lewisjewelers.com, contains information about their Pandora line, including how to order and build your own Pandora jewelry. For more information, or to schedule an appraisal, call 734-994-5111.