09/01/2026
“I’d have to say that the 90s were perhaps the most defining years of my career. So much happened; it’s only fitting that they would end with a bang! And a big bang at that!
Leases often have a not-so-often exercised clause that allows the landlord to ‘relocate’ you to a space of equal value at their expense.
Well, early in 1999, Manulife exercised that clause and moved us around the corner onto the pedway to Commerce Place. It was a whirlwind - designing and building the new store.
After we opened what had become our 4th store, in the fall of 1999, we learned that Birks would be moving into our old location! Of course, panic ensued. Birks, of all stores! “Our business is finished!!” we thought.
But our fears were unfounded. It may well have been one of the best things that could have happened to us. Birks drew more people to the mall. In fact, the first full year after the move, we had a 40% increase!
Instead of taking business away, Birks brought us new clients. Many of whom remain our valued, close clients to this day.
We went on to grow our business, try new technology, bring on a diamond cutter for a period of time, and grow our team to include key members you know today, such as Shelley, Inah, Guillermo, Jeff, and Larry. In the early 2000s, my dad retired; my wife, Lori, joined us part-time; and then, in 2019, our daughter, Chelsea, joined us. We’ve had an incredible team throughout the years. I won’t mention everyone, but we’ve been blessed to meet and hire wonderful, talented people.
In the 20 years we’ve been at this location, our business has changed a lot, but the core of who we are has always stayed the same. Often, changes that look frightening before you get into them are the best things that could happen to you. You can’t grow without learning, and that often comes through change and trying new things.” - Ralph Vandenberg