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ARMONK, N.Y. LaGravinese Jewelers began its three-day celebration of its grand re-opening Thursday at its new location across from Citibank on Main Street. Owner Debra LaGravinese decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from the event to the Make A Wish foundation, which enhances the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Therere so many different organizations that need help but this one hits close to home, said LaGravinese, who is close to someone thats been touched by Make-A-Wish.
LaGravinese has decided to raffle, for $25, three items to benefit the foundation as well, including a pair of aqua marine colored earrings. Each patron who stops by at the event will receive a gift bag, which has jewelry cleaner and a battery.
The store has been in Armonk for 18 years and will celebrate its 19th anniversary in November. LaGravinese said her store is the original jewelry store to Armonk.
The secret to success is building a relationship with the customers. Its more about volume than dollars, LaGravinese said. We try to keep our expenses low, take care of our customers and work in volume. Ive seen a lot of businesses go in and out but weve survived.
LaGravinese gets a lot of repeat customers, even if they no longer live in the area.
I have quite a few customers out of state that still deal with me exclusively, LaGravinese said. Its a kind of business where you need to form a bond with people and you need to be trusted. Jewelry is very emotional and expensive so you have to trust who you go to.
There are two other LaGravinese Jewelry stores in Bronxville and Pelham but they are all run independently. The store name has been around for 100 years, according to LaGravinese.
The new location seems to be working out perfectly for LaGravinese and shes delighted with her new space.
It was a big move and the building was vacant for a couple of years but the workers did a great job in getting ready on time, LaGravinese said. The space is bigger and its laid out exactly the way we wanted it.
LaGravinese is a member of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club.
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