CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Schwartz Jewelers closed its doors Tuesday after 88 years in business, ending the longest-standing business in College Hill.
A steady stream of customers visited the jewelry store on its final day, with some visibly emotional as they said goodbye to the family-owned business.
Many came for discounted jewelry but also to bid farewell to a store that has served multiple generations of families.
“We moved out of this area, and we found out they were closing,” said Andrew Hesselbrock, a longtime customer. “It’s hard. It’s heartbreaking. But Marty and Andrea have to do what’s best for them, and I wish them well.”
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Martin Schwartz, the fourth-generation owner of Schwartz Jewelers, said the decision to close was not easy. He cited ongoing health issues as the primary factor.
“Over the last year, I’ve had cancer for 17 years, and it’s just kind of worn on me, and I’m still dealing with it,” Schwartz explained. “I’ve had it five different times.”
The business owner said he took considerable time to make the final decision about closing the family business.
“It’s hard because it’s been in our family for so long,” he said. “It took me a long time to make the decision to kind of take something that was in our family forever, and there was really no one else in our family that wanted to take it over.”
Schwartz Jewelers closed its doors Tuesday after 88 years in business, ending the longest-standing business in College Hill.(wxix)Legacy of loyal customers
Dave Schwartz, Martin’s father, owned the business for 30 years as a third-generation owner.
Martin Schwartz said the customer support during the closing has been overwhelming.
“Gratifying. I’ve had a million wonderful, warm comments from people that have been loyal to us forever. I can’t say enough, I mean that’s the lifeblood of this business – repeat customers, and we’re very blessed in all those respects,” he said.
Hesselbrock said his family has been coming to Schwartz Jewelers for 50 years and that he has known Martin and Andrea Schwartz for 30 years.
Despite moving out of College Hill, Hesselbrock made the drive to visit the store on its last day.
Schwartz said that while his main focus is on his health, he remains open to returning to the jewelry business in some capacity.
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