IndependentsMay 18, 2022
Jeweler Lewis Baribault Celebrates 50th Work AnniversaryIndependentsMay 25, 2022
The Mexican Shack to Close After 47 Years
Owner Steve Delzio shares his thoughts on retirement after nearly five decades in the jewelry industry.
The Mexican Shack, seen here at its original location, is closing its doors after 47 years.
Somers, New York—The year was 1973 and would-be jeweler Steve Delzio was packing up his van full of the treasures he’d uncovered during his excursion out west.
He was on a journey to learn more about Native American and Mexican culture, but his parents’ 25th anniversary celebration beckoned him back to his hometown of Somers, New York.
Delzio planned to sell his trinkets to fund his trip, and the response from buyers was overwhelmingly positive, so much so that he found himself traveling out west again to stock up.
He spent two years forging relationships with Native American artists, making several trips a year to Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico.
In 1975, Delzio rented a 600-square-foot space in his hometown to sell his haul, stocked with everything from hand-painted clay pots to turquoise jewelry.
He dubbed his store “The Mexican Shack.”
He was on a journey to learn more about Native American and Mexican culture, but his parents’ 25th anniversary celebration beckoned him back to his hometown of Somers, New York.
Delzio planned to sell his trinkets to fund his trip, and the response from buyers was overwhelmingly positive, so much so that he found himself traveling out west again to stock up.
He spent two years forging relationships with Native American artists, making several trips a year to Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico.
In 1975, Delzio rented a 600-square-foot space in his hometown to sell his haul, stocked with everything from hand-painted clay pots to turquoise jewelry.
He dubbed his store “The Mexican Shack.”
Seen here is the van that Steve Delzio packed full of his treasures.
Steve Delzio stands outside The Mexican Shack in the 1970s
Delzio’s venture was successful, and in 1989, construction began on a new, larger property.
In 1990, the new Mexican Shack opened, with more than 4,000 square feet of space. More than 30 years later, he still refers to it as the “new store.”
It may seem an unconventional name for a jewelry store, but when he polled his customers about renaming the new store, they insisted he keep it.
Next month, 47 years after its opening, The Mexican Shack will hold a retirement sale.
“We’ve had a good 47 years. So I just thought it was time to sit back,” Delzio said in an interview with National Jeweler.
Delzio is approaching 70 and he, and his longtime staff, are ready to call it a day.
While the store may be closing, Delzio isn’t exactly retiring.
“I do look forward to starting an online presence. Nothing crazy. I just want to get up in the morning, put a couple of pieces online and see what happens and go from there,” he said.
He’d also like to exhibit at some smaller shows, reaching out to customers on his email list to let them know where he’ll be.
Running a retail store requires long hours, and Delzio said he’s ready to set his own schedule.
But it’s a bittersweet moment.
“I am going to miss my customers so much,” he said.
Delzio shared news of his retirement sale on the store’s social channels, including Facebook and Instagram, and the response from customers moved him to tears.
“I'm sitting down here in Florida. We took a week off, came down here and I’m on the beaches in tears, [knowing] that we touched people’s lives in such a way,” he said.
“My customers are my customers, and [they are also] my friends and family. We’ve had a long, long ride together.”
One woman wrote to him, frantic that he now wouldn’t be able to make her wedding ring.
“I said, ‘I’ll take care of you. Don’t worry.’ And she said, ‘Oh, you made my day,’” recalled Delzio.
When Delzio returns from Florida, he’ll take a trip to New York’s Diamond District on 47th Street, a weekly tradition he’ll miss, to inform longtime friends and colleagues that he’ll be closing his store and won’t be around as often.
The Mexican Shack moved to a larger space in 1990.
Steve Delzio and his wife, Mary
When his customers think of The Mexican Shack, Delzio hopes they’ll remember how involved he and his family have been with the community.
In 2017, the Somers Chamber of Commerce honored Delzio for his years of contributions to the community, highlighting his commitment to education and the preservation of historical artifacts.
The store has been featured in The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles several times.
“The high quality Indian jewelry designs and materials, along with fine craftsmanship, attracts a devoted following. Their pieces reflect an inherent awareness of popular culture, while still paying tribute to their cultural [roots],” wrote the publication, as per the store’s website.
The store is closed for vacation as of May 16, with the retirement sale set to begin June 1.
“It’s just a very unique business. Very, very unique. And it’s different. I’m really proud of it,” said Delzio.
More on Independents
The Latest
Policies & IssuesJul 01, 2022
U.S. Expands Sanctions to Russian GoldThe U.K, Canada, and Japan have also banned the import of gold originating from Russia.
Recorded WebinarsJul 01, 2022
Watch: What to Know About Livestream ShoppingJewelry marketing expert Laryssa Wirstiuk shares her tips and tricks for hosting a livestream shopping session.
SourcingJul 01, 2022
De Beers, Botswana Extend Sales Agreement for Third TimeThe current agreement, originally set to expire in 2020, will now go through June 2023.
Brought to you by
Preparing for Proposal Season with High-Quality, A.I.-Graded Natural Diamonds Rare & Forever is helping to create an enjoyable diamond buying experience for the millions of newly-engaged couples.
CollectionsJul 01, 2022
Piece of the Week: Brent Neale x Edie Parker PendantThe brands have collaborated on a fine jewelry ode to cannabis.
Weekly QuizJun 30, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
Supplier BulletinJun 30, 2022
Here’s Where You’ll Find The Best Online Jewelry AuctionsSponsored by HiBid
CrimeJun 30, 2022
What JSA’s Annual Report Tells Us About Jewelry Crime in 2021Plus, JSA President John Kennedy talks about the trajectory of industry crime over the last 20 years.
Brought to you by
Discover The Extraordinary Italian Jewelry In Las Vegas!Experience all the Italian Jewelry market has to offer in Las Vegas.
CrimeJun 30, 2022
Smash-and-Grab Robbers Hit Booth at TEFAF: Watch the VideoThe fair was evacuated temporarily Tuesday after four suspects smashed a showcase and stole jewelry from British jeweler Symbolic & Chase.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2022
Nominations Are Open for Gem Awards 2023The 21st annual awards show and gala will take place in New York City next March.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2022
Registration Open for JIS Fall in Miami The jewelry trade show is scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 3 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsJun 29, 2022
Bonhams Expands Again with Purchase of Paris Auction House It is the fifth acquisition under the ownership of private equity firm Epiris, which bought Bonhams in 2018.
MajorsJun 29, 2022
Zales Has a New Diamond CutThe “Celebration Infinite” diamond has more than three times the number of facets in a traditional brilliant-cut diamond, the retailer said.
WatchesJun 29, 2022
Bulova Introduces New Frank Sinatra WatchesThe brand again partnered with the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School to celebrate the launch of the “Summer Wind” watches.
SurveysJun 29, 2022
U.S. Platinum Jewelry Demand Starts 2022 on a Strong NoteRetail ounce sales were up 23 percent year-over-year in Q1, according to the recent Platinum Jewellery Business Review.
Events & AwardsJun 29, 2022
Registration Is Now Open for the HardRock Summit 2022Scheduled for Sept. 8-11, the event will comprise more than 310,000 square feet of show floor, exhibits, and education space.
ColumnistsJun 28, 2022
The PR Adviser: Why Should Someone Buy From You?If you’re having trouble answering this question, columnist Lilian Raji can help you get a started with a few fill-in-the-blank statements.
CollectionsJun 28, 2022
Melissa Kaye’s New Collection Doubles the Color“Lenox” marks the designer’s foray into bespoke jewels and large colored gemstones.
Events & AwardsJun 28, 2022
Second AGS Virtual Education Conference Is All About Negotiation Skills“Confluence” is happening in August.
MajorsJun 27, 2022
George Holmes, Longtime Head Editor of JCK Magazine, Dies at 93 He first took a job at then Philadelphia-based Jewelers’ Circular-Keystone in 1963 and retired in 1996.
MajorsJun 27, 2022
Mayors, Analog:Shift Team Up With GoopThe lifestyle platform will stock fine jewelry and watches from the retailers on its website and in store.
CrimeJun 27, 2022
JSA Warns of ‘Pandemic’ of Distraction Thefts Nationwide It cited two recent cases in California, plus incidents in Florida, Kansas, and Illinois.
CollectionsJun 27, 2022
This Designer Has Found a New Way to Bring Gemstones to LifeSvetlana Lazar’s “Wishing Well” collection utilizes an innovative component to mimic the movement of water beneath them.
Recorded WebinarsJun 24, 2022
Vegas Jewelry Recap: The Editors Weigh InWatch the webinar in which National Jeweler’s editors talk about jewelry market week trends and their predictions for the rest of 2022.
MajorsJun 24, 2022
Banter by Piercing Pagoda Celebrates Pride with ‘SayGay’ NecklaceAll proceeds up to $25,000 will benefit the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth.
CollectionsJun 24, 2022
Piece of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Hidden Message LocketIt’s a reminder that life is best lived with discretion.
