IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinIndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New Store
Located in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
Sissy’s Log Cabin has opened its seventh store, located in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Fort Smith, Ark.—Sissy’s Log Cabin, an Arkansas-based fine jewelry store chain, has opened a new store in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
It is the jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas and its seventh location in the Mid-South.
The new store offers an immersive retail journey, the jeweler said, including styling, try-ons, custom design, and personalization options.
The 5,200-square-foot store, designed by Florida-based architect Jesse Balaity, features “a luxurious, boutique-style shopping experience,” Sissy’s said, with nods to the company’s log cabin roots.
It also boasts fine jewelry displays showcasing more than 20 different designers.
Amelia Braun, a local jewelry expert with nine years of industry experience, will serve as store manager.
“Expanding to Fort Smith is a meaningful step in our journey as a growing Arkansas-founded, family-operated business,” said Bill Jones, CEO of Sissy’s Log Cabin.
“We’re excited to expand within our home state and bring the Sissy's promise of extraordinary service, selection, experience, and quality to new customers. Fort Smith has welcomed us with open arms, and we look forward to building lasting connections, serving this city with the same level of care that has defined our company for over 50 years.”
A ribbon cutting was held Apr. 24 to celebrate the opening. Founder Sissy Jones, who opened her first store in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1970, was in attendance, along with Sissy’s customers, its staff, and representatives from the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Related stories will be right here …
It is the jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas and its seventh location in the Mid-South.
The new store offers an immersive retail journey, the jeweler said, including styling, try-ons, custom design, and personalization options.
The 5,200-square-foot store, designed by Florida-based architect Jesse Balaity, features “a luxurious, boutique-style shopping experience,” Sissy’s said, with nods to the company’s log cabin roots.
It also boasts fine jewelry displays showcasing more than 20 different designers.
Amelia Braun, a local jewelry expert with nine years of industry experience, will serve as store manager.
“Expanding to Fort Smith is a meaningful step in our journey as a growing Arkansas-founded, family-operated business,” said Bill Jones, CEO of Sissy’s Log Cabin.
“We’re excited to expand within our home state and bring the Sissy's promise of extraordinary service, selection, experience, and quality to new customers. Fort Smith has welcomed us with open arms, and we look forward to building lasting connections, serving this city with the same level of care that has defined our company for over 50 years.”
A ribbon cutting at Sissy’s Log Cabin’s new Fort Smith store
A ribbon cutting was held Apr. 24 to celebrate the opening. Founder Sissy Jones, who opened her first store in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1970, was in attendance, along with Sissy’s customers, its staff, and representatives from the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“Sissy’s Log Cabin has always been more than just a jewelry store. It’s a place where individuals, couples, and families come to mark some of the most meaningful moments in their lives,” said William Jones, president of Sissy’s Log Cabin.
“From engagements and anniversaries to birthdays and holidays, we’re honored to play an important role in our customers’ stories. We look forward to building new relationships in Fort Smith and becoming part of the milestones that matter most to this community.”
The new store is located at 4410 Phoenix Avenue.
The family-owned and -operated company has two locations in Little Rock; a store in Jonesboro; a store in Conway; and one location in Memphis, Tennessee.
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
Weekly QuizJun 04, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
