Family Jewelry Store Moving To New Location After 43 Years At Shelton Shopping Center

SHELTON, CT — A.J. Klein Jewelers, a popular family-run jewelry store with a 70-year history, is planning to move to a new space in town after more than 40 years at its current Shelton location, and a large sale in currently in the works.

A.J. Klein Jewelers first opened at 866 Bridgeport Avenue in 1982 after owners Alan and Michele Klein, along with their children, decided to relocate the store from Bridgeport to a more spacious location in Shelton, according to a news release provided by the store.

After 43 years at the Shelton Square shopping center, the Kleins now plan to expand into a new location at the Fountain Square plaza "suitable for their future as a third-generation family business," according to the release.

A.J. Klein Jewelers' new location is anticipated to open at Fountain Square in the fall of this year, with a grand opening date to be announced.

Shoppers looking for great finds on quality jewelry are encouraged to stop by the Bridgeport Avenue store, which will host a store closing and moving sale featuring "rare and unbeatable deals on various high-quality jewelry, including diamonds, engagement rings, watches, wedding bands, gemstones, estate jewelry, gold and platinum pieces," according to the release.

The sale is intended to make room for a variety of new designers and jewelry lines that will be showcased at the new Fountain Square space.

The sale began Friday and will last "until all merchandise is sold." Store hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The store's family legacy began with Alan Klein's parents, Andrew and Gloria, who opened a jewelry repair shop in Bridgeport in 1955 that serviced Fairfield and New Haven counties.

In 1982, the store moved to Shelton Square, where they expanded to a jewelry retail store along with their longstanding repair services, according to the release.

Alan and Michele Klein became the second-generation owners in 1992 and made it their passion to treat all customers like friends and family, just as Alan Klein's parents had done.

"I just had a customer I've known for 40 years stop by," Alan Klein said in a news release, "sometimes shoppers just want to come in and say 'hi' and chat for a bit. It's not always about business. A lot of these customers have become good friends of ours."

A.J. Klein Jewelers offers a full-service repair department, providing expert repairs, custom designs, jewelry appraisals, engraving, pearl and bead restringing and watch repairs. The Kleins are excited to widen their services and retail shopping experience at Fountain Square, according to the release.

Reflecting on decades in the jewelry business, the Kleins expressed gratitude for the community support they've received.

"We're just grateful we could contribute to many special occasions," Alan Klein said, "and play a positive role in the lives of so many people."