H-E-B opens jewelry store-within-a-store

Texas grocer H-E-B has opened the first of three planned James Avery Artisan Jewelry shops inside selected supermarkets.

The first James Avery jewelry boutique, a 1,650-square-foot space, opened yesterday in the H-E-B store at 2755 E. League City Pkwy in League City, Texas. Plans call for the next jewelry “stores-within-a-store” to open inside H-E-B supermarkets in Portland (outside Corpus Christi) on Sept. 29 and Oct. 13 in San Antonio (at the grocer’s 211 and Potranco location).

James Avery locations at H-E-B stores will offer many of the jewelry retailer’s classic designs — including in sterling silver, 14K and 18K gold for women and men — plus new releases and services, such as charm soldering and jewelry cleaning. Customers also will be able to buy jewelry online at JamesAvery.com and pick up their orders at the H-E-B location, which operates Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“We are thrilled to welcome James Avery into select H-E-B stores across the state,” Winell Herron, group vice president of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs at H-E-B, said in a statement. “With our shared Hill Country beginnings, we look forward to continue serving Texans for generations to come.”

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The James Avery boutique at the League City H-E-B occupies 1,650 square feet and offers both jewelry and services.

In support of the opening, through Sept. 25, shoppers visiting the James Avery shop in the League City H-E-B store can enter a drawing for a chance to win one of 60 James Avery gift cards of $50, $100 or $500.

“We’re excited to work with another iconic Texas brand,” stated John McCullough, CEO of James Avery Artisan Jewelry. “H-E-B shares many of the same values and commitments as us, and we’re excited to be offering our designs at locations where our customers already shop.”

Based in Kerrville, Texas, James Avery unveiled its partnership with H-E-B late last week. The jewelry chain operates more than 100 James Avery stores in five states, and its jewelry also is sold at more than 220 Dillard’s department stores in Texas and 28 other states, airport stores in Austin and Houston, and nationwide via JamesAvery.com.

“We’re excited to bring this new partnership to customers,” commented Lindsey Avery Tognietti, director of customer service and marketing communications at James Avery Artisan Jewelry. “As we expand, our goal is to bring the James Avery customer experience close to home for our new and loyal customers.”

Overall, San Antonio-based H-E-B operates more than 350 grocery stores across Texas.