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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
