New Jersey’s Simms Jewelers to Close After More Than 70 Years

Simms Jewelers, a family-run business that has served New Jersey since 1953, is closing its store on Main St. in Bedminster, NJ, NJ.com reports. A going-out-of-business sale opened Nov. 5 and will run until all merchandise is sold, with the store’s website advertising up to 70% off plus an extra 10% off. No final closing date has been set. “Change is hard, and it can be scary,” third-generation owner Sarah Sockolof said in a statement, citing personnel changes this year. Her grandparents, Sid and Mae Sockolof, and a partner named Segal founded the business in New Brunswick, selling rings and watches alongside TVs and refrigerators. It later narrowed its focus to fine jewelry, and since 1991 it has operated from a century-old house next to the Bedminster Tavern.

Watertown, WI, Jeweler With Roots to 1853 to Close in January

Bradow Jewelers will close its Main Street store in Watertown, WI, in mid-January as owners Paul and Susanne Bradow retire after 31 years, the Watertown Daily Times reports. Paul, a Watertown native who had worked for independent jewelry stores, and Susanne bought Salick’s Jewelry Store in the mid-1990s. Joseph Salick founded that store in 1853, and it had operated downtown for more than 140 years. The Bradows are looking for a buyer for the store. “I would love to see another jewelry store come in,” Susanne said. “Watertown definitely supports their jewelry.” A retirement sale offering up to 70% off the entire inventory began this month and will run through the closing.

Marblehead, MA, Jeweler Retiring After 51 Years

Victoria Kelley, owner of Tory’s Jewelry at 106 Washington St. in Marblehead, MA, announced on Facebook Nov. 2 that she is retiring “after 51 wonderful years,” MassLive reports. “I’ve made many wonderful friendships and memories along the way, and I am incredibly grateful for your loyalty and support,” she wrote. The store is one of Marblehead’s longest-running businesses, according to the Marblehead Current. It specializes in handcrafted pieces, including its signature sterling silver nautical code flags. A retirement sale with all jewelry marked down 20% began Nov. 5, and Kelley said she will remain at the store through the holidays.

Williamsport, PA, Jeweler Petro’s to Close as Owner Retires

Petro’s Jewelers in Williamsport, PA, is closing as owner Mike Petro retires, according to a press release. A going-out-of-business sale on the store’s entire inventory opened Oct. 29 at its 201 Basin St. location. Petro started in the industry in 1971 as a stock boy at a jewelry store, then moved into repair and jewelry making. He came to Williamsport in 1978 and did repair work for other jewelers before opening his retail store in 1985. The business has stayed at the same Basin Street address ever since, expanding three times, and is known for custom design and repairs. Store manager Tom Fink joined Petro in November 1978. “We’ve watched families grow up through the years, and those relationships have become such an important part of our story,” Petro said.