If you know the Short North (which we hope you do, by the way), then you’re used to walking down High Street and seeing dozens of awesome restaurants, clothing stores, coffeeshops, and galleries. But jewelers? Not so much.
When we consider traditional jewelry stores, we might imagine something that’s intimidating and impossible to afford. Whether we’re new to jewelry, on the hunt for a dream piece, or just window-shopping, it can feel difficult to walk right into the world of jewelry, but does it have to be?
Enter STORE 5a.
STORE 5a offers all kinds of shoppers a different experience. Their passion is for finding a second life for high-quality used jewelry. The store boasts an expert team of Graduate Gemologists and Goldsmiths. Their training means that any customer can have confidence that being a jeweler isn’t just a job at STORE 5a, but a passion. As we walked past the dozens of items, we we’re blown away by the level of knowledge that was had about so many pieces (including a $40,000 handcrafted pearl necklace!).
STORE 5a makes high-quality affordable and approachable. In many ways, Lykens Companies sees a similarity to STORE 5a. Like them, we strive to give once loved buildings a second life, like our forthcoming EJ Thomas project and, of course, our Wonder Bread Lofts. We sat down with Amanda Getz from STORE 5a and asked her what makes STORE 5a a special part of the Short North. Read our conversation below.
First, tell us about STORE 5a? What sets it apart from other jewelers?
STORE 5a is a unique store that prides itself on giving jewelry, handbags, and watches a second life. We buy and sell pre-owned luxury watches, jewelry, and handbags. Our expert team of Graduate Gemologists and Goldsmiths inspect and refurbish hundreds of items each month so you can shop confidently knowing each piece is represented properly. By shopping pre-owned, we preserve fashion history for future generations, create a unique shopping experience with a wider variety to choose from, and help to save the environment while helping you save money.
Tell us a little bit about how STORE 5a got its start! What were some big moments in its history?
Store Director, Jesse Johnson, is a 27 year old entrepreneur born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. While he has grown up in the jewelry industry, he was more interested in taking an unconventional approach to the market. He grew up with a passion for music and a love for collecting vintage guitars. The combination was a natural blend that led to the birth of STORE 5a. Pre-owned and vintage pieces all have a unique story to tell and many miles left to enjoy.
Since STORE 5a opened in the Short North, what have been some of the most exciting moments? Have there been any big challenged?
Being a part of the Short North community is a huge blessing! It is amazing to be a part of such a close-knit group of businesses that participate in events together, collaborate, and ultimately support shopping local. It is so exciting to be able to participate to happenings such as Gallery Hop, football weekends, local parades, and any other community events going on. We get the opportunity to spread the word about our concept to people near and far at this location thanks to the attractions and events that are always going on.
How has the Short North been influential STORE 5a? On the flip side, how does STORE 5a help make the Short North a better place?
The Short North has been influential to STORE 5a by providing us with the chance to educate customers on our concept and share our passion with so many people. We hope to give people a different outlook on the industry and realize the value in shopping smart and buying pre-owned. We offer a selection of brands and unique pieces that people cannot find anywhere nearby.
What’s next for STORE 5a? Where do you go from here? What are you excited about?
Big things! You have to stay tuned and follow us on Instagram (@STORE5a) for the latest updates, upcoming events, and new arrivals!
If STORE 5a could share a message to the world, what would it be and why?
There are more diamonds left in people’s security deposit boxes than there are left to mine in the world. At the rate that diamonds are being mined today, there will be no diamonds left to mine in about 20 years. Buying diamonds pre-owned is a huge solution to this problem! The amount of time a diamond is worn by an individual is less than a fraction of its life, and the obvious answer to this problem is to refurbish these stones to be loved again.
Feel free to add in any and all news, information, announcements that you want!
We have an Holiday One-Stop Shopping event on November 8th from 5-8pm. The event is being held at our Easton Town Center location and is in collaboration with several other businesses including: Rowe, Artisan Deluxe, Trove, Jana Lee’s Bake Shop, Timeless Skin Solutions, and Harvest Pizzeria.
We’re so thankful for businesses like STORE 5a in our Short North community! Together with other small businesses, they’re the cornerstone of what sets this Arts District apart from all others.
Now, a bit about Lykens Companies…
With 20 years (and counting) of experience, we believe that Lykens Companies is just getting started on its mission to offer Columbus hundreds of premier apartments, rentals, and renovations. Each day, we are driving toward constantly expanding and improving our business and bettering Columbus, the city we love. For our renters, that means that they are connected to a proven business that is always striving to be the best. Our success isn’t an accident. We are constantly striving to improve our quality, both in the buildings that we renovate, reimagine, and rent out; moreover, we are striving to improve in the way that our business operates. For you, that means the best units and the best service in the best locations.
As we invest our time, money, and energy into the Short North, Victorian Village, Italian Village, and other parts of Columbus’s urban core, it’s nothing short of amazing to step back and see how much we’re able to impact our city, whether that looks like renovating apartments, houses, or even factories like the Wonder Bread Lofts and the forthcoming Budd Dairy project: a full scale reimagining of an old dairy factory into a Cameron Mitchell food hall and state-of-the-art coworking space.
If you’re looking to rent in Columbus, Ohio’s urban core, you’ve come to the right place. We’re confident that it doesn’t get better than us when it comes to finding the absolute best apartments and rentals in Columbus.
See every availability!
Whether you’re looking for an apartment in the Short North, a rental in Victorian Village, a studio in Italian Village, or a loft in Wonder Bread, our Available Rentalspage will feature all that (and more). We’re constantly adding our newest properties and highlighting that month’s leasing specials. Bookmark it and check often! What if you took two minutes to browse it right now? And don’t forget about our awesome Instagram for updates, new leases, and beautiful photos.
Already a resident? Refer a friend!
At Lykens Companies, we offer a simple and easy referral program to our tenants (and even non-tenants). For each referral of yours who signs a lease, we’ll pay you $200! Be sure to learn everything about this awesome plan and even check out our three methods to actually get your friends to sign a lease.
