Calling it quits: Beerbower Jewelers going out of business
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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- A longtime staple of downtown Hollidaysburg will be closing its doors.
Beerbower Jewelers, established by Al and Millie Beerbower in 1954, is conducting a going out of business sale.
"We will be open through the holidays and wind down early next year," said owner Don Beerbower, who plans to retire.
"You work all of your life to hopefully enjoy your remaining years on this planet with your family and friends," said Beerbower, who will soon be 66.
His wife, Karen, retired last year after 34 years of teaching at Penn-Mont Academy. She has been spending most of her time living in the Pittsburgh area with their daughter Meghan and three granddaughters -- with a fourth child on the way.
"I am younger (than Karen) and wanted to keep working, but now is a good time to put the family back together. Had my wife stayed here, I may have semi-retired and kept going," Beerbower said. "It is not for financial seasons; we had a very successful, long run here in Blair County."
Beerbower Jewelers has had a big impact on the business community over the years.
"It's maintained a solid reputation for quality and service. You always hate to lose a business that's part of the area's tradition, but it's hard to avoid, especially with the challenges facing small businesses. Beerbower's will be tough to replace," said President/CEO Joe Hurd of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce.
"Don has contributed to the area not only economically, but in making special occasions even better with his unique selection of beautiful jewelry. We congratulate Don Beerbower on his retirement," the Hollidaysburg Area Community Partnership said in a statement.
Don was wired for the family business because "he followed his dad around."
He left his job as an accountant and started full time in 1980. He and his sister Jane ran the day-to-day operations since the mid-1990s. Jane left the business about 10 years ago, and Don became sole owner in 2012.
Beerbower said he will miss his customers and the daily work.
"I do custom pieces; it is a new challenge every day. I never thought I wanted to be in business. Being in business is like an addiction, being an entrepreneur you are betting on yourself, a little like a gambler. It was a rush," Beerbower said.
Beerbower is a registered jeweler with the American Gem Society. He also holds an AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser title and is a Graduate Gemologist with GIA, the Gemological Institute of America.
Beerbower said it is important to give back to the community.
"Cyber stores have more sales online, but they don't give back to the community like the local businesses. We always tried to give back to the community. We are huge advocates for small businesses because we are one. We were a successful small business that lasted 68 years," Beerbower said. "How many have lasted that long?"
Beerbower said he has not listed the business for sale but hopes someone will step forward to buy it.
"We have been here 68 years, they could turn the key and start the business. I will stick around for consulting and training. I would love to sell it and have it here for our customers over the years," Beerbower said.
Beerbower said he plans to spend more time with his family. Along with Meghan and her daughters, his two sons, Nathan and A.J., each have three daughters as well.
"I may find out I don't like retirement and may find something to do, work part time. I need to keep busy. I have hobbies and I like to play golf. The grandkids will keep me busy, I am looking forward to that," Beerbower said.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.