Home
is Where Jewelry
Becomes Heirlooms
Still Familiar, Zachary's Jewelers New Location
Plans a Facelift
By Marie Robinson
When
I called Zachary’s Jewelers recently, the woman who answered
the phone was so friendly I felt as if I had called an old
friend, which is just as it should be. That’s the feeling that
owner Steve Samaras wants to convey with every aspect of his
business. “We want it to become a comfortable place for people
to buy jewelry,” he said.
Zachary’s,
a downtown Annapolis staple, has long been known to carry an
impressive array of jewelry with unique and classic designer
lines like Charriol, Gregg Ruth, Charles Krypell, Scott Kay,
John Hardy, Marco Bicego, Simon G, Lagos, Memoire, and Jewels
by Star. 
While a
November 2005 fire at their old location on Main Street was
tragic, it hasn’t seemed to set back this Annapolis outfit; in
fact the business has rebounded in fine form. The devastation
turned into astonishment when the Zachary’s family pulled
together and found a new space, right down the street and
reopened just seven days later on December 2, 2005. The reason
behind this drive was simple: they felt a responsibility to
their customers. Gaining a space that is almost double the
size of the old store, the staff put their heads together to
again make the business as customer-oriented as possible.
“We serve
refreshments for people on the weekends,” Samaras explained.
“People come in, grab a cup of coffee and a magazine, and plop
down on the couches.” That’s right—couches. This is not your
ordinary jewelry store. This space is bright, spacious and,
best of all, comfortable.
While the new space is
wonderful, Zachary’s team isn’t done. “We’re going to do a
major renovation to the building,” Samaras said. “We’ll keep
the rustic sort of look and will make a lot of improvements
that not only we will be proud of, but that the city of
Annapolis will be proud of too.” With a major renovation plan
in motion, this already quaint space should prove to be a
head-turner.
Lending credence to
their “family” philosophy, the store is staffed by many long
time employees. Manager Errol Daly has been a part of the
business since 1982. “Most people on staff have been with me
in excess of ten years,” Samaras said. “We create that family
atmosphere here among the employees and that translates to our
customers; we want to create a feeling of warmth and of
walking into our home.”
Long term loyalty
among staff members lends itself to long term loyalty among
customers as well. The message that this business is working
to convey to the Annapolis community is simply to “create a
relationship,” according to Samaras.
“I think
that’s what business is all about, whether it’s small business
or big industry. If you create good relationships with your
clients, they will stay with you,” he said. “That’s why we
continue to grow.”
Zachary’s
Jewelers, permanently located at 100 Main Street,
Annapolis MD 21401. To reach them, call
410.266.5555, email sales@zacharysjewelers.com,
or visit them online at www.zacharysjewelers.com.
The store hours are: Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and
Sun., 12-5 p.m.
Taste of the Bay Magazine, May
2007
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