Longtime Wallingford jewelry store gets 'modernized' look - Meriden Record-Journal
WALLINGFORD — The new owner of Craig Jewelers said recent renovations are focused on giving the established business a “modernized” look.
“We’re just doing painting,” owner Mark Puglise said. “I changed a little flair with box designs, box colors, just to give it a little more of a current look.”
The store at 33 N. Main St., which specializes in custom design and jewelry repair, has been undergoing onsite renovations and rebranding.
Puglise said he decided to buy the store when previous owner Craig Healey announced he would retire.
Puglise hopes to grow wedding and engagement ring sales.
“My main thing is to focus on customer service,” Puglise said. “I’m the type of person that can build a relationship with the customer.”
Puglise worked as the store’s goldsmith since it opened about 20 years ago. In that job, he repaired watches, set stones and re-sized rings in his own shop in Hamden.
He said all repairs will now be done on site.
Economic Development Specialist Tim Ryan, a customer of the store, said having a longtime employee take over as owner will help continue the bond between the store and its patrons.
“Having a jewelry store in town is a nice amenity. Having a trusted jewelry store is even better,” Ryan said.
Puglise said he hopes the community welcomes him as a new owner. “My one plus is that a lot of (customers) did know me and a lot of the newer ones that find out I’ve been the goldsmith for as long as I have, they have that familiarity already,” he said.
The store has been open throughout renovations and a grand reopening is scheduled for mid-October.
jroman@record-journal.com
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Twitter: @JenieceRoman
