Peter Dykie Jr. was offered plenty of choices, when he wanted to expand his jewellery business, Bradford Jewellery & Gems.

He could have joined the westward shift of businesses, to the west end of Bradford. He could even have moved to Newmarket, opening a store in Upper Canada Mall.

But Dykie decided to remain in the downtown core. He negotiated with the owners of the building adjacent to his jewellery store, to lease the storefront, and make major structural changes - and on September 15, opened what will become a dedicated Pandora store, offering the exciting Pandora line of charms and jewellery.

Among the dignitaries formally cutting the ribbon at the new store was MP for York-Simcoe, Peter Van Loan. "You've done a tremendous job in running this business... especially in these times, when there's a pull to the west," said the MPP, praising the local businessman for his work in revitalizing Bradford's "Four Corners."

"Over the years, this store has been an institution right at the 4 corners of Town," agreed Mayor Doug White - a businesses that has attracted not only local shoppers, but customers from across southern Ontario; has supported numerous local charities and fundraisers, and that has added to the local economy. "No-one is more committed to our downtown than Peter Dykie."

Peter Dykie Jr., who has been in business for more than 27 years, purchased the building at 5 Holland St. East in 1995. "I have a footprint here. I didn't want to leave," he said at the Opening, noting that he worked with local engineers and trades to carry out the renovations, that will nearly double the space at Bradford Jewellery & Gems.

He also acknowledged that it has been a struggle to overcome a devastating robbery, and the months of work on the new addition. "We have more renovations to do yet - more cabinets (to come in), with more Pandora," he said - but "as this Town is growing, this business is growing."

Dykie thanked his staff, fellow merchants in the downtown core, and his customers. "It's challenging, but we're getting a lot of support!"

Bradford Jewellery & Gems, located at 5 Holland St. West, sells a full range of gold and silver jewellery, gem and diamond rings, chains, earrings and designer watches, from Gucci and Movado to Guess and Roots - and now specializes in Pandora