I have lived and worked worldwide for over 38 years, only about 18 months ago migrating back to the US to be near our daughters, their husbands and "Grandma Magnets". What a joy to live here in Roanoke, a Big Little Town like we grew up in. After over 30 years Asia-wide, I had become accustomed to negotiating prices in any store, which is seldom accepted here. But I do compare pricing a lot and customer service more so. I have always known that the lower overhead for website retailers allows them to discount a bit over "walk in" stores. I recent was in the market for a Grand Seiko limited edition watch that is literally "sold out" in 90%+ of retailers for same, US-wide, but found one on the website of Finks Jewelry here in Roanoke.. And it wasn't marked up like some watch retailers do on limited editions. The staff and especially the store manager, Ms. Keisha La Pradd, were very professional, focused on my requirement and went out of their way to find it at one of their other stores. And after they brought it into their Roanoke store, they were not pushy to sell it to me. I bought the watch and love it! About 8 months ago, I inquired about a no date Rolex Submariner. We all know the horror stories of trying to purchase a Rolex from an Authorized Distributer these last 3 years. Keisha agreed that almost customers usually ask for one with a date. So I put my name on the waitlist for a no date Submariner, thinking I'd be very far down the list and may never be called. She told me that if a no date model came in, I'd get the call as the only one wanting that model. We'll, I got the call ten days ago and purchased it. She knew it would be a "hand me down" for my local son-in-law, and not an attempt to purchase and resell on Chrono22 for 60%+ over the purchase price. Her word to call me 8 months ago was her bond! And recently, I was in the market for an 18K gold Renaissance Bracelet from the David Yurman collection. She had one in stock and it was listed at the exact same price that the David Yurman webpage was selling it for!! I purchased it knowing she had not marked it up over the MSRP. I always prefer bricks and mortar with good customer service and honest business principles over those discounts usually offered by the web-based retailers. I have always preferred face to face interaction, as it is invaluable in building a long term business relationship wherein sincerity is involved in the equation. And additionally, you always have someone to come back to if a problem develops after the sale. I must say that the down to earth customer service at Finks Jewelry is unparalleled in my 74 years of worldwide experience, it is very sincere and friendly without any push to purchase, and with a "can-do" attitude. Do yourself a favor when in the market next for a nice watch or jewelry for someone special and visit Finks Jewelry to compare to wherever you have visited first. As a career federal investigator with the majority of my experience overseas, it takes a lot to gain my trust and confidence. Fink's Jewelry's Manager, Keisha La Pradd and her entire staff have done so. Jeffrey Williams Alexandria & Roanoke read more