Family-owned fine jewelry store B&C Jewelers in Alexandria, Va., announced on its website on Feb. 6 that it will close after 67 years in business.
Owner Vicki Forness, a third-generation jewelry retailer, wrote in a blog post that the shop will close in April after a liquidation sale and told local news outlet WTOP that she plans to retire and move to Williamsburg, Va., to be closer to friends.
“After long and thoughtful deliberation, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the jewelry business and close the doors of B&C Jewelers,” the retailer wrote on the website. “We are extremely proud and grateful that you have chosen and trusted us as your jeweler.”
B&C Jewelers, which opened in 1953, is the last existing original tenant in its outdoor shopping plaza, Bradlee Shopping Center, located just outside of quaint Old Town Alexandria. The traditional fine jewelry store specializes in Antwerp-cut diamonds and engagement and wedding rings.
The shop (which this reporter has visited in person) and fine jewelry stores like it—old-school jewelry boutiques where nicely dressed salespeople stand behind wraparound glass cases—have been, generally speaking, struggling in the market—as fine jewelry e-comms and more millennial-minded retail concepts have captivated modern jewelry consumers.
B&C Jewelers is hosting a storewide sale before it shutters for good, with merchandise discounted up to 70% off. Forness added in the same note on the website, “Now it is time for us to show you our appreciation…. With that said, we are very excited to announce the largest event in our 67-year history…the public liquidation of B&C Jewelers’ collection of diamond jewelry, gold and precious gemstones jewelry…. We will hold nothing back.”
Top: Vicki Forness, owner of B&C Jewelers, will close the Alexandria, Va., store in April (photo courtesy of B&C Jewelers).
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