“There’s more to being a jeweller than putting a sign above your door.”
There are no truer words as far as Bob Alteen is concerned. As the owner of Alteen Brothers Jewellery store in Corner Brook, his business has stood the test of time, just like the diamonds he sells.
“Experience, quality product and exceptional service are the key for staying successful. We have a formula for success that is unmatched in the jewellery business,” says Alteen.
Innovative Ideas
As a second generation business, Alteen has implemented innovative ideas to the business that began over 60 years ago.
“We started in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and developed into a chain of 10 stores in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. The Newfoundland end of the business went on its own around 1970 and we presently have one location in Corner Brook with 12 associates,” he says.
For over a half century, Alteen’s has been the only full-service jeweller in the Corner Brook area with permanent on-staff diamond setters, watch and clock technicians, jewellery repair technicians, and a gemologist. Owner Bob Alteen is one of the few certified gemologists on the island.
“The sales associates on the sales floor have all completed the Graduate Jewellers course from the Canadian Jewellers Association.”
Alteen says its his reliable staff that keeps bringing the customers back again and again.
“The most important part of our business is the customer service and extensive inventory we carry, but customer service is paramount. We pride ourselves on the operation and I’d like to think the level of customer service is good. I have a very dedicated staff which has been here for 10 and 15 years – that’s very rare today,” he says.
“My associates are one of my most important assets – if you don’t have good people working for you it doesn’t matter. Everyone has inventory but it is the interpersonal relationship the associates and customer that makes the whole difference.”
He feels that customers have always been able to depend on Alteen’s to provide a large selection of jewellery, chinaware and unique gift ideas and that will never change.
“Over the past 60 years we have built a reputation found on honesty, trust and integrity. We look to the future and will continue to be innovative and strive to be Newfoundland’s leading jewellers.”