Thomas S. Fox Diamond Jewelers, a fine jewelry store based in Kentwood, Mich., is calling it quits after 100 years in business.
John Turrentine, the retailer’s president, told the Grand Rapids Business Journal that the store will close in June and is hosting a going out of business sale—with merchandise discounted up to 60 percent off.
“Obviously, this is a very difficult decision,” Turrentine told the news outlet. “However, after much consideration, I have decided to pursue other career opportunities.”
Photos from the store’s early decades (courtesy Thomas S. Fox Diamond Jewelers)
The company was founded as Fox Jewelry Company in 1917 by Martin Fox in nearby Grand Rapids, Mich., and at one point, the business operated 48 stores throughout the Midwest.
Third-generation owner Tom Fox sold the company in 1990, but launched Thomas S. Fox Diamond Jewelers in 2001. Turrentine, who is Fox’s son-in-law, took over as president of the business in 2003.
Tom Fox, who is still involved in the company, is quoted on the company’s website as saying, “I have always loved the diamond business because it’s a happy business…[customers] want a jeweler they can trust, and so we’ve built our reputation on our quality diamonds and our quality service.”
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