IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
106-Year-Old Jewelry Store Saved by New OwnersIndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 Years
First-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
Jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon, pictured with one of the two Labrador retrievers who comes to work with them, are heading into retirement. Their store, Wixon Jewelers, will close in May.
Bloomington, Minn.—Wixon Jewelers in Bloomington, Minnesota, will close its doors in May after 37 years in business.
First-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon, who were inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 2021, are retiring.
In an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune, the couple said business is great, but they want to spend more time with their 13-year-old twins.
Dan described the decision to close Wixon Jewelers as “bittersweet,” while Hope told the newspaper, “We just had to … go for it because we can always find an excuse to stay. We’ve got five important years with our kids and that’s our focus.”
With no familial connections to the jewelry business, the pair built their business from the ground up.
Today, Wixon Jewelers is known for its high-end watches, fine jewelry, and adorable dogs.
The couple brings their Labrador retrievers, Joe Dynamite and Timmy Walnuts, to work. The furry associates have become store staples and delight many of its customers.
Though the store has a fun, friendly vibe, it was hard work that turned Wixon Jewelers into a luxury destination in the Twin Cities.
In their 2021 interview for the Retailer Hall of Fame issue, Dan said a long-term goal when starting the business was to sell Rolex and Patek Philippe watches.
The jeweler exceeded that goal, stocking Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
As most jewelers will attest, building a relationship with these high-end Swiss watch brands can be a blessing and a curse, as retailers have to abide by a strict set of rules.
It’s partly why Wixon Jewelers will close rather than be passed onto a new owner, the couple told the Star Tribune.
If the store were to change owners, the Swiss watch brands would leave, possibly returning when the new owner had made a name for themselves.
Losing those big brands and a major source of revenue would make the business a tough sell.
Related stories will be right here …
First-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon, who were inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 2021, are retiring.
In an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune, the couple said business is great, but they want to spend more time with their 13-year-old twins.
Dan described the decision to close Wixon Jewelers as “bittersweet,” while Hope told the newspaper, “We just had to … go for it because we can always find an excuse to stay. We’ve got five important years with our kids and that’s our focus.”
With no familial connections to the jewelry business, the pair built their business from the ground up.
Today, Wixon Jewelers is known for its high-end watches, fine jewelry, and adorable dogs.
The couple brings their Labrador retrievers, Joe Dynamite and Timmy Walnuts, to work. The furry associates have become store staples and delight many of its customers.
Though the store has a fun, friendly vibe, it was hard work that turned Wixon Jewelers into a luxury destination in the Twin Cities.
In their 2021 interview for the Retailer Hall of Fame issue, Dan said a long-term goal when starting the business was to sell Rolex and Patek Philippe watches.
The jeweler exceeded that goal, stocking Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Hope and Dan Wixon
As most jewelers will attest, building a relationship with these high-end Swiss watch brands can be a blessing and a curse, as retailers have to abide by a strict set of rules.
It’s partly why Wixon Jewelers will close rather than be passed onto a new owner, the couple told the Star Tribune.
If the store were to change owners, the Swiss watch brands would leave, possibly returning when the new owner had made a name for themselves.
Losing those big brands and a major source of revenue would make the business a tough sell.
When the pair was inducted into the Retailer Hall of Fame, several industry colleagues had warm words to share.
“I believe part of their ability to reach the level of success they have thus far is their commitment to their core values in business as well as their personal lives,” said designer Joshua Javaheri of Joshua J.
“It’s rare to find store owners like Dan and Hope who are able to balance everything they have on their plates so successfully. The Wixons have a reputation in our industry for being committed to quality in every aspect.”
Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems said, “Dan and Hope work very well together and they have grown their business by focusing on quality and people.”
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
