Earlier this month we stopped into Majestic Jewelry & Loan Co. for a chat with owner Leon Alchian Jr. about the store’s history and the future of downtown.
Majestic is a third-generation pawn shop and has been a staple of the downtown business community since it opened in 1909.
The circles designate Majestic’s three downtown locations since it was established in 1909.
In 1964, Alchian’s father and grandfather purchased the land where the business currently sits at 1924 Tulare Street. Majestic officially moved into the spot in 1971 and has called it home ever since.
Even with the long list of changes that have occurred in the last 46 years, Alchian said he’s “always been a downtowner and always will be.” He’s looking forward to the future of downtown, especially with the reopening of Fulton Street. To prepare for the transition, Alchian and staff have made significant upgrades to the store, installing new flooring inside and out, retrofitting LED lights in wall and showcases to better display merchandise, and upgrading their security cameras.
By far, the store’s most popular item is jewelry, although they carry a little bit of everything, from high-end electric guitars to sports memorabilia. Alchian said he takes pride in the store and the history that comes from being a third-generation shop. Even with his long history in the business, Alchian is still surprised by how good-natured people are, even when they are down on their luck.
“You have to have a little heart in this business,” Alchian added.
Stop by Majestic Jewelry & Loan Co. at 1924 Tulare St., Fresno, CA 93721, Monday – Saturday, 8:30 am – 5 pm.
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