IndependentsSep 26, 2022
Roberson’s Fine Jewelry to Close After 42 YearsIndependentsOct 06, 2022
After 103 Years in Business, This Illinois Independent Is Closing
The owner of Sandberg Jewelers in Skokie, which has been in operation since 1919, is retiring.
Sandberg Jewelers in Skokie, Illinois, is closing after more than 100 years in operation. Third-generation owner Susan Sandberg said the pandemic was the catalyst for her decision to shutter her family’s store and retire.
Skokie, Ill.—A Chicagoland jewelry store that first opened its doors in 1919 will be closed by the end of the year.
Sandberg Jewelers owner Susan Sandberg announced via Facebook earlier this week that she is retiring and closing the store her grandfather and great-uncle founded 103 years ago.
Susan told National Jeweler that COVID-19 acted as the catalyst for a decision she described as “bittersweet.”
“My business was going at a good speed before COVID, before we had to shut down. And that really changed the whole landscape for us,” she said. “We never bounced back from that.”
The pandemic caused them to lose customers and sales, since people were going out less and, as a result, needing less jewelry.
Susan also noted that hiring became difficult following the pandemic, with the store still short-staffed nearly three years after COVID caused shutdowns nationwide.
“I’ve worked harder in the last three years than I have in my whole career,” she said. “I’m tired.”
The difficulties brought about by the pandemic, coupled with changes in the jewelry industry—vendors selling directly to customers, rising insurance costs and crime, the growing prevalence of lab-grown diamonds, and the specter of another recession—have diminished the pleasure Susan once derived from the business.
It all has her feeling like she is “working harder for less.”
“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “I’m disappointed, but my fourth generation isn’t ready, willing, and able to carry on.”
“At the same time, I am very proud I was able to carry it through the third generation. And you know I’m going to have to retire at one point. All signs are pointing to now.”
Related stories will be right here …
Sandberg Jewelers owner Susan Sandberg announced via Facebook earlier this week that she is retiring and closing the store her grandfather and great-uncle founded 103 years ago.
Susan told National Jeweler that COVID-19 acted as the catalyst for a decision she described as “bittersweet.”
“My business was going at a good speed before COVID, before we had to shut down. And that really changed the whole landscape for us,” she said. “We never bounced back from that.”
The pandemic caused them to lose customers and sales, since people were going out less and, as a result, needing less jewelry.
Susan also noted that hiring became difficult following the pandemic, with the store still short-staffed nearly three years after COVID caused shutdowns nationwide.
“I’ve worked harder in the last three years than I have in my whole career,” she said. “I’m tired.”
The difficulties brought about by the pandemic, coupled with changes in the jewelry industry—vendors selling directly to customers, rising insurance costs and crime, the growing prevalence of lab-grown diamonds, and the specter of another recession—have diminished the pleasure Susan once derived from the business.
It all has her feeling like she is “working harder for less.”
“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “I’m disappointed, but my fourth generation isn’t ready, willing, and able to carry on.”
“At the same time, I am very proud I was able to carry it through the third generation. And you know I’m going to have to retire at one point. All signs are pointing to now.”
Philip Sandberg Sr. (Susan’s grandfather) and his brother, Frank Sandberg, first opened Sandberg Jewelers on Chicago’s Milwaukee Avenue.
The business relocated to the city’s Irving Park neighborhood in the 1950s.
Susan and her sister, Karen Sandberg, moved the store one final time, to its current location in the Village Crossing Shopping Center in Skokie, Illinois.
Sandberg Jewelers started its going-out-of-business sale with a special preview for VIPs this week and will open it up to the general public Friday, with merchandise marked down as much as 70 percent.
It will continue until the store runs out of merchandise or on Christmas Eve, “whichever comes sooner,” Susan said.
In retirement, she said she plans to continue to “dabble” in jewelry—she is keeping her bench and her laser welder—and volunteer with Safe Families for Children, which works to help at-risk children.
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingDec 02, 2022
Alrosa CEO Sergey Ivanov to Step Down, Report SaysAccording to Russian news sources, the sanctioned head of the diamond company is leaving to take a job with an investment group.
SourcingDec 02, 2022
Lucapa Sells 170-Carat Pink Diamond Unearthed This SummerSaid to be the largest pink diamond found in hundreds of years, “The Lulo Rose” was sold for an undisclosed sum.
AuctionsDec 02, 2022
Here’s How 2 Royal Jewels Performed at Auction in DenmarkA princess’s tiara fell within its pre-sale estimate while an Art Deco bracelet from a queen doubled it.
Brought to you by
Knowledge and Skills for Today’s Hot TopicsFrom laboratory-grown diamonds to design to country-of-origin, GIA's Alumni Collective™ has a seminar to suite your needs.
CollectionsDec 02, 2022
Piece of the Week: Foundrae’s Chain A closer look at the bold links reveals a subtle, surprising detail.
Weekly QuizDec 01, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
Supplier BulletinDec 01, 2022
Take Your Jewelry Design Process Digital with the GIA Alumni Collective™Sponsored by GIA Alumni Collective™
WatchesDec 01, 2022
Rolex to Certify Pre-Owned WatchesRetailers within its official distribution network will be able to sell the authenticated timepieces.
Brought to you by
Diamond Shoppers’ 2022 Holiday Wish ListGive your customers the best diamond buying experience this holiday season.
CollectionsDec 01, 2022
Kendra Scott’s New Collection is for Barbie GirlsThe capsule collection combines the brand’s classic styles with Barbie’s signature pink color.
AuctionsDec 01, 2022
13-Carat Pink Diamond Withdrawn From Christie’s Auction The auction house is not offering any details on why the fancy vivid pink stone was pulled from its upcoming “Magnificent Jewels” sale.
SourcingDec 01, 2022
Nomad’s Is Selling Its Stones to Raise Money for Ukraine AgainIn the spirit of an advent calendar, “Gems to Help Ukraine” will sell a stone a day through Dec. 24 on the Nomad’s Instagram account.
GradingDec 01, 2022
PhotoScribe Granted Patent for Method that Verifies a Stone’s IdentificationThe secure mark combines an overt mark with a covert data set to provide assurance on a gem.
SurveysNov 30, 2022
5 Things Retailers Should Know About the Start to the Holiday SeasonPlus, what a potential rail strike would mean for retailers.
WatchesNov 30, 2022
Watchfinder & Co. Will Launch a Marketplace Next Year It will provide a place for select luxury watch retailers to sell their stock.
MajorsNov 30, 2022
Pomellato Buys Into Italian GoldsmithThe brand has purchased a minority stake in Costanzo & Rizzetto.
SourcingNov 30, 2022
Firestone Restarts Operations of Lesotho Diamond MineLiqhobong has been in a care-and-maintenance period since the start of the pandemic.
MajorsNov 29, 2022
LVMH Acquires Jewelry Manufacturer Pedemonte GroupThe strategic acquisition will bolster the luxury titan’s production capacity in its watch and jewelry division.
CollectionsNov 29, 2022
Alex and Ani Founder Carolyn Rafaelian Has Launched a Fine Jewelry LineThe new brand, Metal Alchemist, focuses on unisex, classic jewelry designs.
CollectionsNov 29, 2022
Gabriel & Co.’s ‘Fashion Book’ Is OutNot a catalog, the magazine is a tool for Gabriel & Co. retailers to connect with their customers.
MajorsNov 29, 2022
Claire’s to Open Shop-in-Shops in Select U.S. Macy’s Stores The partnership brings Claire’s jewelry and accessories to 20 Macy’s locations in time for the holiday season.
MajorsNov 28, 2022
Pomellato’s New Videos Raise Awareness of Violence Against WomenStarring CEO Sabina Belli and other celebrities, the videos emphasize the importance of supporting women who have experienced abuse.
Events & AwardsNov 28, 2022
Registration Is Open for AGA’s Annual Tucson Conference Scheduled for Feb. 1, the event will feature six gemological education presentations and three hands-on sessions.
MajorsNov 28, 2022
The Kingswood Co. Is One of U.S.’s Fastest-Growing Companies AgainThe jewelry cleaner manufacturer jumped up to No. 3066 on the Inc. 5000 list.
AuctionsNov 23, 2022
This Sapphire Tiara Once Owned by a Danish Princess Is Going to AuctionThe Dec. 1 jewelry sale at Bonhams-owned Bruun Rasmussen will have several other pieces of royal jewelry on the block.
FinancialsNov 23, 2022
Movado Lowers Guidance Amid ‘Uncertain’ Retail EnvironmentIts Q3 sales dipped as inflation took its toll on shoppers in the U.S. and Europe.
MajorsNov 23, 2022
De Beers Jewellers Is Popping Up in ConnecticutThe temporary store is the result of a collaboration with Betteridge.
CollectionsNov 23, 2022
Piece of the Week: Rembrandt’s Turkey CharmCharm fans will gobble up this festive “Piece of the Week” pick.
