New Jeweler's Shine Being Cast in Eck's Shadow Monday

On Monday, April 25, former Haddon Avenue business Eck's Jewelers will officially sparkle under a new jeweler's shine. 

It's the day McGarry's Jewelers will open in the old Eck's location, at 796 Haddon Ave.

McGarry's has been a prominent part of Philadelphia's jewelry market for the past 105 years, a family business established in 1854. McGarry's is still operating in Philadelphia's Old City district—at 312 North Second St.—and owners thought they'd benefit by opening another location in the borough.

Although McGarry's plans to give its Collingswood location a brand-new shine, the owner's name may ring a familiar bell.

McGarry's Collingswood will be owned and operated by Cherry Hill resident Tracy Eck-O'Donnell. 

And the "Eck," hyphenation is no coincidence.

"Jerry Chambers owned this (storefront) when it was Eck's Jewelers," said O'Donnell. "He married an Eck, and bought the business from William Eck. And Eck's was my uncle's store—yes, it's a bit odd, but (McGarry's moving here) made sense.

"(Jerry Chambers, owner of Eck's) was planning to retire, and it seemed like the perfect marriage for McGarry's to take over," said O'Donnell. "And of course, he was very comfortable with that transition, and we were too."

O'Donnell said just before Christmas 2010, the decision to move McGarry's into Eck's space was made. Eck's didn't close until the end of February 2011, said O'Donnell, and McGarry's began moving into the building on March 15.

"And we've been working nonstop ever since," said O'Donnell. "We went before the planning board at the end of March, so it's all been kind of a whirlwind."

Besides family ties, it made business sense to open a McGarry's in Collingswood.

"We're unable to operate during evening hours in the city, because the (area's retail market) closes up at night, so that's another reason why we're in Collingswood," said O'Donnell. "And we already have a lot of New Jersey customers (who frequent our city store), so we think this new location will be beneficial for them."

New and old clients are invited to visit the new McGarry's during its soft opening Monday, April 25, or during grand opening weekend. 

Grand opening will run through Mother's Day weekend, beginning Friday, May 6 and ending at closing time on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8.

O'Donnell said customer incentives will be available through both openings.

After its soft-opening, McGarry's will host a giveaway from April 30 into May, on Chamilia brand beads. O'Donnell said customers who purchase three Chamilia beads will get one free. 

And during Mother's Day weekend, McGarry's grand opening giveaway will cater to Vera Bradley fans. Friday through Sunday, the first 200 customers to make a McGarry's purchase will receive a free Vera Bradley change purse. 

Vera Bradley, a seemingly endless line of various bags and accessories, is currently the only nonjewelry brand McGarry's will sell. According to O'Donnell, her inventory is stocked with hundreds of Vera Bradley items, including luggage, purses of all sizes, backpacks, clutches, wallets, eyeglass readers and cases, accessories and change purses.

But jewelry—McGarry's forte—will account for the majority of merchandise. The store will offer fine diamonds, precious jewels, and precious metals like gold, silver and platinum. Brands, including Radiant Cut Diamond, Benchmark, Gotleib & Son Diamonds, Kim International, Chamilia, Romance Diamonds, Zinzi Silver, and Sterling Reputation will line McGarry's jewelry cases.  

O'Donnell said her store will house engagement rings, wedding bands, specialty rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, anklets, keychains, religious- and Irish-themed pieces, money clips, cufflinks and more.

Collingswood McGarry's will also offer services, such as custom jewelry creation, vintage jewelry restoration, and repairs. 

But what aspect of McGarry's arrival is unique over its Eck's predecessor? O'Donnell cites modernity.

"We have two Apple iPads in-house for our customers' use," said O'Donnell. "They can use the iPads to custom-design their own pieces. They'll be able to virtually set stones into settings, choosing which elements to include based on personal preference."

It's a modern convenience O'Donnell believes will heighten the McGarry's customer experience.

"We've taken the (old Eck's Jewelers space) and modernized the appearance, as well as the service," said O'Donnell. "We're trying to bring jewelry into this age. That's our hope." 

McGarry's Jewelers, Hours of Operation:

Mondays—Closed

Tuesdays and Wednesdays—From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays—From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

*Saturdays—From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tentative, depending upon local events. McGarry's will remain open past 4 p.m. on days Collingswood hosts events).

Sundays—Closed