Affordably priced, local jewelry stores are a vanishing breed in our Amazon and online shopping oriented society. Randall’s Jewelry Store on the northeast corner of Andrews Ave and Prospect Rd, is the perfect example of a local, mom and pop jewelry store.
Inside this charming Oakland Park landmark is a generous collection of adorable sterling silver and gold necklaces, earrings, bracelets and moderately priced watches.
A 50 Year Old Jewelry Landmark
Staley’s Jewelry opened in 1974 by the Staley family. After 12 years of ownership, the family sold the store to Pebbles Jewelry Store employees Vi and Helen.
In 2002, Vi and Helen placed a help wanted sign in the window. Jeannie Allsage, a mom with teen boys eager to return to the workplace, responded to the sign. Jeannie credits Vi and Helen for teaching her gemology, identifying gemstone characteristics, learning how gemstones are mined, and the 4Cs of diamonds (color, cut, clarity and carat) during her tenure at Staley’s.
In 2012, Vi and Helen retired and turned the business over to Jeannie and Tom Allsage. Jeannie renamed Staley’s to Randall’s, in memory of her father. She keeps his picture on her display case as a commemoration in the store.
Customer Connections On and Offline
Although Jeannie reports that many old Staley customers have died, children and grandchildren of prior customers still frequent Randall’s. The couple don’t advertise or participate in social media; instead, they rely on word of mouth and repeat customer status to sustain business.
The couple were active in local networking clubs in the past and plan to join the Oakland Park Business Association in the near future. They also plan to diversify their outreach by enhancing their online presence through an updated website and active engagement on Facebook and Instagram, alongside venturing into the world of online sales.
Additional Jewelry Services Offered at Randall’s
Many Amazon and online shoppers bring their jewelry purchases to Randall’s for repairs and alterations. Tom performs the store’s watch work including changing batteries, repairing and changing watch faces from mineral crystal to sapphire crystal.
The couple also employ Staley’s Jewelry former jeweler, Luis Montenegro, for shortening necklace and bracelet lengths, sizing rings, designing engagement rings, designing custom jewelry from scratch and revamping family heirloom jewelry. The store’s business is composed of 70% new jewelry purchase, and 30% repair. Jeannie reports,“Amazon and online shopping have really sustained us with repairs and jewelry alterations. Amazon is not our competition, but a source of business for us!”.
Amidst gold’s high price of $2,031.86, shoppers turn to more affordable options like sterling silver or stainless steel. Jeannie notes a growing trend for high-end sterling silver .925 with diamonds, reminiscent of designer David Yurman.
The future for Randall’s Jewelers in Oakland Park
Jeannie and Tom report a loving bond with their long standing customers. “We don’t really have to be in the store all the time, but we roll with the punches, and enjoy our face to face with the customers,” they say.
Their son is in medical school, and his future medical practice destination is yet to be determined. Their five year plan will depend on that practice destination, but in the meantime, Randall’s Jewelers will remain in Oakland Park.
Stop by the store for gift ideas for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, and Christmas. Jeannie and Tom will make sure you leave with the right gift in hand and a smile on your face.
