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Kentucky Jeweler Closing After 89 Years
Clements Jewelers in Madisonville cited competition from larger retailers and online sellers as the driving factor.
Clements Jewelers, a family-owned retailer that’s been in business since 1935, announced via Facebook that it is closing next month. (Image courtesy of Clements Jewelers’ Facebook page)
Madisonville, Ky.—Clements Jewelers in Madisonville, Kentucky, is closing its doors after nearly 90 years in business.
The family-owned jewelry retailer announced its closure “with a heavy heart” on its Facebook page.
“After 89 years, we have tried our best, but competing with larger retailers and online shopping isn’t feasible anymore,” said the company.
The jeweler noted a “massive decrease” in community shopping over the past few years as it struggled to compete on pricing.
It also noted the price of repairs has risen 60 percent in the past four years, an increase it said was “unavoidable.”
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The family-owned jewelry retailer announced its closure “with a heavy heart” on its Facebook page.
“After 89 years, we have tried our best, but competing with larger retailers and online shopping isn’t feasible anymore,” said the company.
The jeweler noted a “massive decrease” in community shopping over the past few years as it struggled to compete on pricing.
It also noted the price of repairs has risen 60 percent in the past four years, an increase it said was “unavoidable.”
“While we love our community and have cherished every moment, we have to do what’s best for our families and employees,” said the jeweler.
It is no longer accepting repair and appraisal requests but encouraged customers to visit other independent jewelers for those services.
The company is holding a going-out-of-business sale and expects to close its doors for the last time in late September.
The retailer also has a permanent jewelry location at the nearby Sugg on Main Shops that is not closing and will continue to operate as normal, it said on Facebook.
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