After serving Bay Ridge for a decade, Barrington Jewelers willclose its doors in early 2012.
Owner Morris Esses explained that the shop’s 10-year lease isabout to expire. The economy has changed and it’s just not workingout, he said. With the rising price of gold and diamonds, it ishard for us to be profitable.
Esses said that business was booming when the store opened, withcustomers coming in for engagement and wedding rings. Those patronsreturned numerous times for gifts for other milestones, such asanniversaries and births.
We have a very strong, loyal following, he said. They comeback time and again for any occasion.
Barrington has a tremendous inventory of diamond jewelry thatmust be sold, including wedding bands, engagement rings, necklaces,bracelets and crosses. We can’t melt down diamond jewelry like wecan with gold, so everything must go, Esses said. All merchandisein the store is half off.
Barrington just doesn’t sell sparkly baubles seven days a week.There is also a jeweler on the premises who does all types ofjewelry repairs. The store can also replace watch batteries and dominor watch repairs. Barrington sells watches too, including brandslike Movado and Bulova, which are also 50 percent off.
We brought a Manhattan flavor to Brooklyn, Esses, who is aBrooklyn native, said. Our staff has a combined 120 yearsexperience working in the jewelry business in Manhattan.
But Esses does have future plans. When Barrington closes, heplans to find another space in Bay Ridge. We want to find a spacethat is worthwhile – busy, big enough and with affordable rent, hesaid. Our customers are so loyal and we don’t want to leavethem.
Barrington Jewelers is located at 432 86th Street. The store canbe reached at 718-491-6666.