The Jewel Shoppe closing after more than 50 years in business

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Almost sixty years after first opening its doors, the Jewel Shoppe in Louisville is closing.

Owner Johnny Snow, took over the store from his mother, Jewel Snow, in the late 70s.

“The size of the store was doubled and they approached me about coming into the business forty-two years ago, and the rest of it is history,” said Johnny.

Johnny said a lot has changed in the jewelry business since he first took over.

“The jewelry business years ago was walking through a store, find a piece in the jewelry case that you liked, and purchase that. Now it’s grown into people wanting something unique, something customized, something customized to their needs,” said Johnny.

Technology has played a big role in shaping those demands.

“Computer-aided design has been around for a long time for manufacturers, but that’s really come on the scene for jewelers now,” said Johnny.

It’s Johnny’s wife, Mary, who designs each unique piece.

“If we create something especially that’s customized for a client, it’s not reproduced again. So it’s truly as one of a kind as we can make it,” said Mary.

Of all the thousands of pieces created over the years, her favorite is worn on her finger.

A 25th-anniversary band crafted by Johnny.

“You know, jewelry has special meanings at different times. So, sometimes it becomes something that you want to own and take care of and pass down, and then sometimes it’s just a piece of jewelry that you enjoy wearing,” said Mary.

The Snows said their retirement announcement has been a few years in the making.

“We have a grandbaby out in California who we’ve not seen, and we need to see her. Just, you know, it’s just time,”: said Mary.

“Yeah, it’s just time to slow down a little bit and smell the roses, as they say,” said Johnny.

One-of-a-kind people creating one-of-a-kind memories.

“We make people happy. (Laughs) We make their dreams come true,” said Mary.

“We’re just really appreciative of our customers and the ones that have been really loyal to us and kept us in business all these many years, and a lot of them are almost like family,” said Johnny.

The Snows said there is no set date on when their retirement sale will end.

They plan to sell everything the store currently has in stock.

For more information on The Jewel Shoppe, click here.