Local Crystal Shop opens showroom
by Erin Yudt
A local crystal shop’s retail store may have closed, but when one door closes, another opens. Crystal River Gems is set to open a showroom.
“We are so excited to announce the opening of our showroom,” General Manager Krista Schuster said. “Our retail location may no longer be open, but it led us to another great idea and project.”
Crystal River Gems first opened in the early 1990's in Station Square as a small retail rock shop. It is a small, family-owned business that eventually grew into a larger wholesale operation. The company is owned by the Schuster family which has been the original owner since its inception. The original retail store was located in the shops at Station Square starting in the early 1990's, which was a popular tourist destination in Pittsburgh at that time, Schuster said.
“The company has grown from a small retail shop to a larger wholesale operation involving the importation and wholesale of rocks, crystals, and other items from overseas,” Schuster said. “The primary sales channel is an online platform which allows customers all over the USA and the world to access the unique products offered at wholesale pricing. We also operate a showroom as well as several other sales channels.”
Due to the changing commercial cityscape of Pittsburgh as well as the events following 9/11 and changes to tourism and retail trends, it was relocated to a downtown location in the Highmark Building (Fifth Avenue Place) in the early 2000's, where most people today know it to be located at. The retail location closed due to the construction project at this location. All shops in that shopping area are currently closed as the building undergoes remodeling. At this time, future plans for all retail shops in that building are unknown, Schuster said.
However, this is not the only time the company has faced
unique challenges.
“The pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to expand our online offerings and reach more customers as most online businesses have also grown,” Schuster said. “As with all businesses, the pandemic has presented unique challenges with staffing, operations, safety, etc. but we have successfully navigated all of it and adapted accordingly. We believe we are poised to continue to navigate any challenges the pandemic sends our way, as well as successful operations post-pandemic.”
“The Etsy shop has been in the making for several years, opened recently and is a platform that has helped to diversify the business offerings,” Schuster said. “It is serving customers who seek a more personalized, high-end customer service oriented shopping experience for which Etsy is known.”
With being a part of the business “practically” her “whole life,” Schuster has loved “the work environment and culture, as a small, family owned business that is flexible and fair.”
Employee Tayler Cleveland agrees.
“I have been working here for almost a year and have really enjoyed it,” Cleveland said. “They work so hard to accommodate my busy college schedule. I work several other jobs, but this one is my favorite because I just love crystals and the atmosphere is great.”
Shannon Marinari, another employee, has enjoyed her work at the company as well.
“I also have worked here for about a year,” Marinari said. “I get great hours and pay, plus I get to pack really cool items that I would not see on a regular basis. I have learned so much about crystals and rocks and have met great people here as well.”
Customers can schedule a time to view the new showroom on their website.