I had every reason to not stop in Kirles Jewelers. I'd had an early morning running some errands…read morerelated to my father's estate - I was tired, I was super casually dressed, and I was honestly pretty dirty. I'd always been kind of curious about Kirles, but I'd never really had the chance to stop in. Since I was in this strip center for a couple other businesses, I opted to wheel by Kirles.
Then, I started to wheel away.
Then, Shirley came to the door and asked if I wanted to come in. I hesitated, but she assured me she didn't care how I was dressed. For those of you who've heard my story about wheeling through Saks Fifth Avenue prepared to spend quite a bit only to be completely ignored because of how I was dressed, you'll know that this really piqued my interest.
So, I went in.
Now then, have you ever gone to a business and instantly thought to yourself "I really like this place?"
That's what happened here. I really liked this place.
First off, Shirley is a delight. She's warm and welcoming. She's helpful without being high pressure. I'm not sure I had any intent to buy anything to do, though I very nearly did so (amazing candles).
I was drawn to the fact that there are a number of photos around the store related to racing and a corner exhibit related to the Vukovich family. Of course, I asked. Kirles is in its third generation in the same family - the current owner's father is passionate about the Indy 500 and some of the photos are his and others are simply photos he acquired. It's an amazing touch with great photos.
I met that current owner. She enthusiastically introduced herself and told the story of her father. I shared my own 500 story - when I was eight, I wasn't expected to live long and got a "wish" - not so much in the contemporary meaning as that organization didn't exist yet, but in the same concept. My wish involved meeting Mario Andretti - and I did. I still consider it a life highlight (though I always wonder if I should feel guilty because I actually survived).
Anyway, Kirles offers jewelry, watches, candles, jewelry repair, custom jewelry design, Waterford crystal, appraisals, watch repair, and a variety of other items. It's a really cool, really welcoming, and pretty awesome store that has been in its current location for 45 years and has existed since 1951. And yes, it's locally owned and there's still only one location (which I actually find kind of refreshing).
Kirles is wonderfully accessible (though I'll admit I was being super careful in my wheelchair). They even have an accessibility statement on their website.
What can I say? I instantly fell in love with the place. The people were so friendly and helpful. The atmosphere feels like a place where you can "belong." Amidst the finer nature of the jewelry and such, there's a tremendous heart both in the types of items and in those delightful photos.
While I didn't buy anything this time, I'd be stunned if I don't return to get a candle and maybe even more. While I'm not much for jewelry, this was just such a cool place that I saw several things where I thought "Hm. Maybe."
So yeah, I can't say enough about getting that sense of welcome even on a day when I was super tired and looking rather ratty. Bravo, Kirles. I'll be back.