CECIL’S FINE JEWELRY
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ecky Whelan never imagined some 20 years ago when she watch battery, a repair or they’re looking for the perfect engagement was a customer at Cecil’s Fine Jewelry that someday she ring. It’s all about the relationships.” would be the owner. She had Whelan says many shoppers are a thriving design business, first in looking for a personal relationship Hot Springs Village in the 1970s with their jeweler. “They come and 1980s and then as the head of in, sometimes, just to feel good. design for the old Brandon House Even in times of sorrow, we turn until the late 1990s. But when the keepsakes into something relevant economy started to wane a bit in that people want to wear every day. early 2000, she answered an ad for So, even in the hardest of times, we a part-time position at the very store want to make people’s lives better.” where she loved to shop. That helped Cecil’s even has a bit of oldher propel Cecil’s Fine Jewelry to school charm, offering lay-a-way where it is today. As a shopperas well as interest-free financing. turned-store owner, Becky Whelan And don’t think they are going to knows how to treat the customer. sell you the highest priced item; Cecil’s Fine Jewelry originally they are going to sell you the one opened in 1975 and has been in the that works the best for the client. same Trellis Square shopping center If you’re a bargain hunter (and who ever since. Located in west Little isn’t?), Cecil’s always has two cases Rock on Rodney Parham Road, the store “I’M LOOKING FOR with bridal and fashion pieces on sale 50 to offers its clientele a convenient and easily 60 percent off, which fly out of the store. THE LIFELONG accessible location. Whelan bought the If you’re wondering what pieces every CUSTOMER, store in 2003. woman needs, Whelan says, “Diamond “We have customers and friends from WHETHER IT’S FOR studs and hoops are always a staple. A nice all over the city and state,” says Whelan. strand of pearls and a pretty bracelet” are A WATCH BATTERY, She also offers exclusive jewelry lines that also a great addition to your core jewelry can’t be purchased anywhere else, which A REPAIR OR wardrobe. The fun pieces, though they is a huge draw for Cecils. Visitors won’t are still fine jewelry, are the ones that are THEY’RE LOOKING be disappointed. Upon entering the store, trendy, current and won’t necessarily break Whelan and her staff greet each and every FOR THE PERFECT the bank. But she stays away from fads customer with a smile, freshly baked ENGAGEMENT RING.” when at the jewelry market. She cookies and Jim Dickerson playing has daughter Erin’s watchful eye to the baby grand piano situated in the help balance out the generational center of the store. differences. They just finished a trip Both of her daughters have to market where Whelan tried on worked in the store in some capacity. every piece they purchased. Bridget was on staff for about ten “I see if the piece is comfortable,” years, and Erin is the store manager. she says, “and then I think if this Whelan, who says she is very “handsis something one of my customers on,” has an extremely knowledgeable would enjoy.” and personable staff. She is available Some shoppers are coming in for every customer and is at the store specifically for special occasions most days (her team insists she take while others come in to visit, say one day off a week, but she is likely hello and see what is new. Whelan there on that day, too). says, “We try to reach out to everyone Now, back to 2003, when she no matter what they need. We are undertook a personal and financial very low-key. It’s not all about the risk to buy the store – why did she sale but the customer.” do it? Becky Whelan says she’ll never retire. She loves helping people “I decided I wanted to continue Cecil’s great legacy,” says enjoy the jewelry experience. “I do this because I love it. This is what Whelan. “I wanted to run the store the way it was best for our I really want to do the rest of my life.” customers... I’m looking for the lifelong customer, whether it’s for a
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