A third generation is taking over family-owned jewelry store Corinne Jewelers in Toms River, N.J. Husband and wife Ryan and Allyssa Blumenthal will step up to run the 50-year-old store, assuming ownership from Ryan’s parents, Craig and Mary Blumenthal. Craig’s father, Mel Blumenthal, launched the shop in 1964, which he named after his wife, Corinne.
Ryan and Allyssa are beginning their reign with a bang: a top-to-bottom renovation and expansion that will nearly double the store’s footprint.
A rendering of the new Corinne Jewelers, set to reopen in May
Ryan says the renovation, which is scheduled to be completed in May, “will give us a completely fresh new, modern look and feel.” New York City–based interior designer Ruth Mellergaard is at the helm of the store redo.
New showcases boasting a dark laminate wood finish will feature glass-to-glass fronts, and there will be two walk-around showcases for side-by-side selling, along with a new table close to the cash desk for displaying jewlery that customers can touch and try on. Also new will be a Pandora boutique and a diamond and appraisal room that Ryan calls “very open, not intimidating.”
A new repair take-in desk will feature a plasma screen that shows large-scale photos of pieces customers need repaired and/or sketches of custom jewelry designs. The shop’s newly expanded bridal area will feature a large sit-down area—along with a new coffee bar and entertainment area outfitted with a large-screen TV.
The new floor will be covered in large-scale wood finished ceramic tile with a dark blue-and-black tiled area at the entrance. Walls will be pale gray, and the raised ceilings will be covered in oak beadboard—an homage to the old store.
“Our bridal selection is just going to be amazing,” gushes Ryan. “Our in-house jewelry shop will grow and modernize, and we will be the complete one-stop shop and repair for…Toms River and all surrounding communities.”
The new owners plan to add to their sales staff soon and are currently hosting a liquidation sale to make room for new product. “We will continue the liquidation sale until the very last piece of current inventory is sold,” says Ryan.
The store is not the only thing that has changed for Ryan and Allyssa this year. Ryan’s parents, Craig and Mary, are retiring to Florida soon, and Mel, the family patriarch, passed away this past December. “Even though he hasn’t been involved in the day-to-day operations of the store for several years, I still have customers come into the store and tell me, ‘Your grandfather sold me my engagement ring,’ ” says Ryan. “That inspires us.”
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