EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
IndependentsAug 10, 2016
In era of consolidation, one retailer goes bigger
When it relocates to a new space later this month, California retailer Traditional Jewelers will more than double in size, allowing it to better showcase its brands and placing it in a busier section of the same shopping center.
Newport Beach, Calif.--When it relocates to a new space later this month, California retailer Traditional Jewelers will more than double in size, allowing it to better showcase its brands and placing it in a busier section of the same shopping center.
Currently, Traditional Jewelers occupies a 4,500-square-foot space in a strip of Orange County’s Fashion Island shopping center that has become less busy over time. Michael Pollak, CEO of Traditional parent company Hyde Park Jewelers, said they are relocating to a 10,000-square-foot space in a more central and busier section of the center, near both Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s.
The jeweler’s decision to move into a larger retail space comes at a time when many retailers, both in jewelry as well as in fashion, are not in expansion mode. Two of the country’s largest chain jewelers, Sterling Jewelers, owner of Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, and Zale Corp. are merging and undoubtedly will shutter some stores.
RELATED CONTENT: Zale shareholders approve merger with Signet
Accessories retailer Coach announced last week that it was closing 70 full-line stores in North America while also opening more outlet stores and combining others. Clothing retailer Juicy Couture, known for its rhinestone-centric loungewear, is closing all of its existing U.S. stores and replacing them with only a few new concept stores in key markets here.
RELATED CONTENT: Coach to focus on retail outlet division
Pollak said the decision to open a bigger store was made in part because watch brands today are looking for increased visibility, which they will have in this new space. The larger Traditional Jewelers includes four shop-in-shops, all for watches: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier and Officine Panerai.
In addition to the shop-in-shops, the new store will carry jewelry from the Fred Leighton estate collection. He said it is the first store in Orange County selected to carry the line, and it marks the retailer’s foray into period and estate jewelry.
“Retailers have to be known first and foremost as our own brand. And I support that notion,” Pollak said when asked about the importance of brands in retail today. “But, at the end of the day, the consumer is comfortable with and trusts certain luxury brands. It is very validating to the consumer when you showcase the top brands because then they have confidence in patronizing you as a retailer.”
While acknowledging the weight
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
of brands, Pollak also said it’s important for retailers not to give up their own identity, their own “DNA in terms of the store brand,” for the lines they carry. At the new Traditional Jewelers, the shop-in-shops are placed around the perimeter of the store so they first brand experience shoppers have is that of Traditional Jewelers, he said.
The store will hold a soft open in its new space July 11, with the official grand opening scheduled for Sept. 5 and 6.
A man with experience with a very well-known brand has been hired to manage the new Traditional Jewelers. Bill Peters joins the retailer from the Louis Vuitton located in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Calif. where he spent the last 14 years in various roles, including store director and director of client relations. Pollak said Peters has a keen understanding of both the clientele and charities in the area.
The late Marion Halfacre and his wife Lula opened their first jewelry store in Jackson, Miss. in 1975. Four years later, they sold their interest in that business and moved to California, opening Traditional Jewelers in Newport Beach. Marion Halfacre died in 2007 and the business was sold to Hyde Park Jewelers in 2012.
Hyde Park Jewelers has its flagship store in Denver, where the company is based, as well as a Hyde Park Jewelers store in Phoenix, Traditional Jewelers in Newport Beach, Calif., an Omega boutique in Denver and a Rolex boutique in Las Vegas.
Pollak said they are adding two more boutiques, one for Roberto Coin and one for watch brand Breitling, to their portfolio this fall.
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
