From left, Sharon and Billy Lowery with Wendy Vincent. Also pictured is Sir Winston. (Submitted photo)
By ZOË WATKINS
zwatkins@bedfordcountypost.com
Lowery Jewelers is just one of the many exquisite jewelry stores around in Shelbyville.
Running from now until the end of the month, customers who make a diamond purchase of $3,500 or more will receive a free Taurus G2S 9MM Luger Pistol.
It’s safe to say it’s a unique holiday special. Owner Billy Lowery said he got the idea in one of his trade magazines. The special has served not only to bring in customers but also been a way to thank them.
“The way I’ve got it set up is really nice,” said Lowery. He said customers receive a certificate to go down to the gun store at the Shelbyville Lumber Company, where the background check and approval is given.
“I thought this would be a nice, little boost, and it has been. It’s worked really well for us,” said Lowery. So far, they’ve given away eight pistols since the initial launch.
Traditionally, for 25 years, Lowery Jewelers has given customers specialty chocolates or sweets. But this is Lowery’s first year for the pistol giveaway.
Around this time of year, Lowery says some of his more popular purchases include colored gemstones in addition to diamond stud earrings and bracelets.
“I think we do well with colored gemstones is because we have such a large selection and right now the bigger the gemstone, the better,” said Lowery.
Lowery added that center stone engagements rings appear to be a popular investment among younger generations getting married.
“In my generation, we had to buy small and trade up,” he said with a laugh. “They seem to be investing in that the bride will wear every day for the rest of their lives and know the importance of that.”
A display of colored gemstones encrusted with diamonds. (Photo by Zoe Watkins)
A beautiful Christmas display of center stone diamond rings. (Photo by Zoe Watkins)
Another offer Lowery Jewelers is doing through the end of the month is free financing for 12 to 18 months, depending on the dollar amount, with absolutely no down payment needed.
Coming up until Christmas, as they move a lot of inventory, they will be offering 25% off diamonds and gold as well as 30% off sterling. After Christmas, they will boost these promotions up, which helps lower inventory level.
With 2014 slowly coming in, Lowery said he is positive for the New Year. “I am very optimistic. I think sales have been brisk since – oddly enough – Covid. It just seems like people have focused more on shopping at home and shopping small business. We are blessed.”
The push in Shelbyville over the past couple of years, especially around the holidays, has been to encourage people to shop local.
“I appreciate First Community Bank doing the promotion for Small Business Saturdays,” said Lowery.
“Keeping you dollars in your hometown” gives an advantage to both businesses and the city and of course, to the community, according to Lowery.
“We are the guys, who have small businesses, which people come to when they need donations for events, whether it’s a death, or sickness, or for a ball team. And we’re there to support them all year.”
Lowery Jewelers is located at 768 N. Main St. Their extended holiday hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will resume their regular hours beginning January 2.
