But when COVID-19 reduced foot traffic in the city centre siblings Feride, Zak and John Inan decided to make the most of the opportunity. They closed the doors after 25 years and relocated the business further up the mall.

In the process of moving to 140 Crown Street they decided to create a New York style feel at Crown Diamond Jewellers which was already synonymous with luxury.

Zac Inan said even prior to coronavirus there was less pedestrian activity at the lower end of the mall, especially on weekends. So the timing felt right to move west towards Wollongong Central and more parking.

The new store is larger and the Inan's have spared no expense on the fitout. Which is a testament to their confidence in the city centre emerging stronger than before.

They still wanted to remain central and not too far from Langs Corner where a major new development is underway.

"Our new shop is a little bit wider and it helps that it has more frontage. We have tried to do the layout like the high-end jewellery stores you would find in New York," Zac said.

Crown Diamond Jewellers specialise in diamond jewellery particularly engagement and wedding rings.

In the past the Inan family have also had outlets in Warrawong, Figtree and Corrimal and there was a time when all six siblings were involved in the business.

But Feride, Zak and John Inan feel it is now better to have one flagship store in the heart of Wollongong.

MMJ commercial sales associate director Travis Machin described the investment and complete revamp by the Inan family as a great good news story for the city centre in a challenging year.

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