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Engagement ring or in need of some bling? Then you should be dropping by PR Sturgill’s – fine jewelry, Main Street Radford’s Business of the Month for May.
Philip Sturgill, proud owner since 1988, is a community leader and supporter through and through. And why shouldn’t he be? Born in Radford, Phillip worked for his father Mr. Bob Sturgill, a pharmacist and owner of Whitehead’s Drugstore on East Main Street back in the seventies. When Phillip was about 17 years old, he started working for C.C. Luftman, a jeweler also on East Main Street. It was there that Phillip started out as a bench jeweler learning repair work and gem appraising, something that he is quite fond of. He became of certified appraiser in 1983 as a graduate of the Gemological Institution of America and joined the America Gemological Society in 1984. Phillip now does appraisals from all over the world. But it is his jewelry collection and the vast selection of gifts items that gives Phillip and his customers the most amount of fun. Starting with the New River Valley’s largest selection of pearls, “they are a perfect graduation gift”, says Sturgill, to the perfect silver anniversary gift or just right engrave-able baby gift, there is a large range of choices. Of course there is a wide array of watches, engagement rings, wedding bands and a fantastic display of estate pieces, but Sturgill’s is also know far and wide for its one of a kind custom made jewelry. In fact over 50 percent of the jewelry Phillip, and his staff of 7, sell is custom made pieces. Many pieces are designed from scratch while working with the customer. Some pieces are reshaped from something older into something more modern and new. Sturgill says its one of the “best feeling to see people happy and enjoying a piece of jewelry that you had a hand in creating.” And while Sturgill has his eye on the future, a possible re-model or web site expansion, he is always reminded of where he came from and where he started: Radford. He is encouraged by the growth of Radford Univeristy and hopes for the same in our central business district. “I would love to have another Pete and Lallah Smyth, owners of the former Radford Furniture, down here”, says Sturgill, “They were the best merchants I’ve ever known. I personally model my business and philosophy skills after them. They were amazing business people and I heard nothing but the best things said about them.” It’s no doubt that there are business people out there thinking the same thing about Sturgill as well. Stop by Sturgill’s and see what all the talk is about. While you’re there chat up Bob, the parrot, Sturgill’s official mascot who will graciously welcome you to the store. Located at 1037 East Main Street, Sturgill’s is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, for your jewelry needs. Established by Main Street Radford in August 2004 as a way to recognize Main Street business owners for their accomplishments and to also promote economic development in the City, Main Street Radford uses this program as a way of honoring our local businesses. The Main Street Radford board of directors uses the following criteria to nominate and vote on a business of a month. In addition to being a current member of Main Street Radford, the following criteria are used to determine eligible Business of the Month Candidates:
· Radford business that has recently opened or are under new ownership or management
· Radford business member that have moved to a new or second location
· Radford business member that have completed recent property renovation
· Radford business member that offer new or expanded services/products
· Radford business member that is celebrating anniversary or milestones
· Business members that have demonstrated significant growth or outstanding customer service
Becky Haupt, Main Street Radford’s Director, believes that “the business of the month” program serves as another form of advertising for our Main Street merchants.
We wouldn’t have such a unique and vibrant downtown if not for them.” Haupt strongly encourages Radford citizens to come out and support all Radford businesses. For more information about the “Business of the Month” program, contact the MSR office at 731-3656.
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