Independents

The Mexican Shack to Close After 47 Years

IndependentsMay 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.

20220525_Mexican Shack header.jpg
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.”


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.


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.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

“Storied Diamond Desert Sands of Eternity” engagement ring and wedding band
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Emily P. Wheeler Ombré Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ Collection

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

MRK x MFA Tsuba Charm Necklace Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Stock image of a gavel and law books
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack Tempest Sapphire Pendant and Tempest Diamond Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ Collection

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

Stuller 2025 S.E.R.V.E. Star Awards winners
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

All four models of Citizen’s new Rainell watch
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for Rain

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster 1926
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari GIA India
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing Director

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

DCWC 2025 Board of Directors
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West Coast

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Wedding, Jacob & Co. Watch
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White Metals

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

HRD Antwerp CEO Paul De Wachter
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEO

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift Kallati sapphire ring
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire Ring

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Boucheron Quatre Sand Collection
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed Sand

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

Neil Lane and Boucheron bow tie brooch
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

Just Jules opal necklace
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful Show

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Peter Smith National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-Reflection

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Plah Black Swan Earrings
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From Vicenzaoro

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

People shopping in a mall
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.

Pandora executives Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Gavel near stacks of books
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store Scam

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell John Hardy Lovestruck Collection
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John Hardy

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy