Kiefers losing AD due to Mayors new store

[Watch_aficionado]

I'm visiting Tampa for the holidays and with some talk with a Rolex collector at Thanksgiving, I was informed that Kiefers is losing their ROLEX Dealership due to Mayors opening a new almost 3,000 square foot store at International mall. This will happen December 2, when Mayors new store opens (supposedly).

Now this is second hand news to me, so take it for what it's worth. We did stop by Kiefers today to look around and they were pretty busy but of course only had exhibition watches. But their ROLEX stand is pretty pathetic, it's a small little area with about 10 feet of space... so if they are indeed losing their dealership, I wouldn't be surprised.

Best of luck to anyone/everyone on the hunt there...

[Kinnakeet]

I’m not surprised. Was expecting this.

[t65tampa]

Didn't expect this. It's shame. Kiefer's is an excellent AD.

[Bartolo]

Originally Posted by Watch_aficionado

I'm visiting Tampa for the holidays and with some talk with a Rolex collector at Thanksgiving, I was informed that Kiefers is losing their ROLEX Dealership due to Mayors opening a new almost 3,000 square foot store at International mall. This will happen December 2, when Mayors new store opens (supposedly).

Now this is second hand news to me, so take it for what it's worth. We did stop by Kiefers today to look around and they were pretty busy but of course only had exhibition watches. But their ROLEX stand is pretty pathetic, it's a small little area with about 10 feet of space... so if they are indeed losing their dealership, I wouldn't be surprised.

Best of luck to anyone/everyone on the hunt there...

Rolex have very strict and specific requirements to retail their products, and clearly the standalone boutique format is their strong preference. If there is a geography that will support it, it's inevitable. Not all retailers can afford to build out a Rolex boutique; thus, the consolidation in the industry. Smaller jewelry stores cannot compete due to the very large capital outlay required.

[ronricks]

Mayors is gaining a stranglehold on whole southeast it seems. They are expanding.

[enjoythemusic]

Mayors is also expanding its UTC Mall location, much larger footprint. []~(￣▽￣)~*

PS: Let's have a GTG during Mayors Tampa location new store Grand Opening in December. See thread:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=13450519

[rolph]

The Rolex scene in Tampa is about to change quite a bit.

[jacowestt]

That sounds like quite the shake-up in the local Rolex scene. If the information you heard is accurate, it could indeed be a significant change for collectors and enthusiasts in the Tampa area. It’s always bittersweet when a smaller, longstanding AD like Kiefers might lose their dealership, especially if they’ve been part of the community for a while. Transitioning to a larger, more modern store like the one Mayors is reportedly opening might bring expanded inventory and a different buying experience, but it’s not without its downsides for those who appreciate the charm of smaller, more personal establishments.

If you’re on the hunt for a specific piece, this shift could create opportunities, as ADs sometimes clear inventory during transitions like these. It might also be worth visiting Mayors once the new store opens to get a sense of their approach and offerings. Change can feel unsettling, but it often leads to new possibilities. Wishing you the best in navigating the evolving Tampa Rolex landscape and hopefully, it leads to some exciting finds for you!

[Marcaine]

I have purchased from both Keifer's and Mayors. I have enjoyed interacting with each AD.
I will still use Keifers for any jewelry needs even if they don't have Rolex.

Always good to have options. Definitely a loss for the Tampa area.

[Marcaine]

duplicate

[micwhitt1]

I've just returned from speaking with the manager at Keifer (and drooling over an RLX Titanium Yacht-Master and a Skydweller in Everose on an Oysterflex bracelet). Britany confirmed that Keifer IS NOT losing their AD status.

[Zach69SS]

If they did not do the required Rolex build out then AD status is gone. No build out, No AD
Mayor’s is WoS that is a juggernaut world wide. Rolex will now use Bucherer as their retail sales point and a few very large chain dealers that’s it. They are fully consolidating their ADs for even more control and $$$. The rest will be gone soon.

[Klutzyyy]

Having purchased from both the experience is much better at Keifers. (unless you've dropped serious $$$ at Mayors)

Mayors truly is the "what have you bought from me lately" AD you hear about...its a corporate behemoth so I am not naive to that.

There are many on here that have positive things to say about Mayors but from a consumer standpoint I much prefer to give my business to Keifers. Less transactional feeling.

Within the last week I spoke with an assistant manager at Keifers about getting a family member a DJ for their birthday a few months away and this was never mentioned...

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by micwhitt1

I've just returned from speaking with the manager at Keifer (and drooling over an RLX Titanium Yacht-Master and a Skydweller in Everose on an Oysterflex bracelet). Britany confirmed that Keifer IS NOT losing their AD status.

Some things that don't bode well for them..

1) There is a WOS in market that will have a boutique in a high end destination mall.

2) Their display was modern 5yrs ago. No longer acceptable considering what is being built in the mall.

3) Offering "gold buying" and "interest free layaway". This may sound incredibly snobbish and trivial, but that isn't what Rolex wants to be associated with. Pawn Shop services and Rolex can't share the same air..

[casadecamporolex]

If not now, the day will come soon. Believe me, they know it.
These type stores are being closed monthly; during the past few years, many similar stores lost their AD status.
Not a question of ‘if", but a question of "when".

[h20addict]

Small family owned, and Rolex are no longer in the same business model. At least that surely seems like the trend.

That said I'm not the biggest fan of the "Mayors" experience.

I got the feel I should have "dressed the part" walking into that boutique. On my last visit, it seemed my blue collar attire didn't fit the "Standard."

[Kinnakeet]

Originally Posted by h20addict

Small family owned, and Rolex are no longer in the same business model. At least that surely seems like the trend.

That said I'm not the biggest fan of the "Mayors" experience.

I got the feel I should have "dressed the part" walking into that boutique. On my last visit, it seemed my blue collar attire didn't fit the "Standard."

My husband dresses let’s say very casual in Mayors and is treated extremely well.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by h20addict

I got the feel I should have "dressed the part" walking into that boutique. On my last visit, it seemed my blue collar attire didn't fit the "Standard."

Could just be you. Thankfully, not like we're in Monaco entering the hotels and clubs. Plus anyone in retail in FL knows that beach bum could be a retired tech guy, or ex-Pres of ABC, etc. For those in Fl retail, and that included Yours Truly, my best clients dressed very very casual.

[MovieGuy]

Originally Posted by Watch_aficionado

I'm visiting Tampa for the holidays and with some talk with a Rolex collector at Thanksgiving, I was informed that Kiefers is losing their ROLEX Dealership due to Mayors opening a new almost 3,000 square foot store at International mall. This will happen December 2, when Mayors new store opens (supposedly).

Now this is second hand news to me, so take it for what it's worth. We did stop by Kiefers today to look around and they were pretty busy but of course only had exhibition watches. But their ROLEX stand is pretty pathetic, it's a small little area with about 10 feet of space... so if they are indeed losing their dealership, I wouldn't be surprised.

Best of luck to anyone/everyone on the hunt there...

Rolex wants to have either standalone boutique stores or have a boutique within a store to have a separate shopping experience. If a store isn't willing or able to fund something like that, they're dropping like flies.

[brandrea]

Another one bites the dust