Shop expects 'new type of clientele' in North Kalispell

Riddle’s Jewelry has relocated from Kalispell Center Mall to a new location on U.S. 93 North, between MOD Pizza and T-Mobile.

“We needed a fresh start in a new location,” Store Manager Hannah Prester said. The change comes after the South Dakota-based jeweler spent 13 years in its mall location.

“Our first day officially open was Sept. 1,” she announced. “We’re now completely in our new location.”

“We were seeing an increased customer volume for repairs,” Prester explained as one of the main reasons for relocating. “We wanted to stay with what our market was demanding.”

“There are so many other stores in the Hutton Ranch area,” she said, and Riddle’s wanted to join in this commercial epicenter.

This increased activity has its tradeoffs. The location along the busy highway is notably less walkable than its spot in the mall, but Prester said, “What we lose in browsing, we think we’ll gain in customers who know what they’re looking for.”

“It’s a new type of clientele,” they are seeing in the new shop, she said.

She also seemed unconcerned about traffic challenges in this busier area of town. “There’s never too much traffic,” she pointed out, referring to walk-in traffic. “If it gets too busy we’ll be looking for an additional hire.”

They have already expanded staffing in the new location. Prester said Riddle’s brought on an additional goldsmith, which allows them to complete repairs more quickly. Prester said the desire for a larger store was “absolutely part” of the decision to relocate, and this extra space has allowed them to expand inventory.

“It’s been a positive move,” she reported. She feels the new store is “more shoppable” because it’s “open and airy with lots of light coming through to really sparkle on the gems.”

With the additional space, Prester said they expect an “influx of different designers and products” in the future. She expressed hope the new Riddle’s will become a “destination shop.”

The Riddle’s Jewelry company is celebrating 60 years in business this month, Prester pointed out. Despite the recent changes to its Kalispell presence, she said, “We expect to continue to do what Riddle’s has done for 60 years.”

Riddle’s Jewelry is now located at 2244 U.S. 93 N., Suite 102, Kalispell. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.