IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
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Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years
The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
Founder Merle Staats and his wife Juanita at their grand opening in 1955 (left) and their son and current owner Brent Staats. The jeweler will close its doors after more than 70 years. (Images courtesy of Staats Jewelers’ Facebook page) | Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
Liberal, Kan.—Staats Jewelers in Liberal, Kansas, will be closing its doors after more than 70 years in business.
Founder Merle Staats, who attended the Kansas City School of Watchmaking, began his jewelry career as an employee of Wilkins Jewelers in the town.
Merle and his wife Juanita later bought the business in 1955 and renamed it Staats Jewelers.
He passed the business down to his son, Brent Staats, in 1993, who has led the store for the past three decades.
Under his leadership, the jeweler became known for its jewelry offerings and its hands-on approach.
Its in-house services, which include jewelry repair, sizing, engraving, as well as its personalized customer service, set the jeweler apart from larger retailers, it said.
Related stories will be right here …
Founder Merle Staats, who attended the Kansas City School of Watchmaking, began his jewelry career as an employee of Wilkins Jewelers in the town.
Merle and his wife Juanita later bought the business in 1955 and renamed it Staats Jewelers.
He passed the business down to his son, Brent Staats, in 1993, who has led the store for the past three decades.
Under his leadership, the jeweler became known for its jewelry offerings and its hands-on approach.
Its in-house services, which include jewelry repair, sizing, engraving, as well as its personalized customer service, set the jeweler apart from larger retailers, it said.
Brent and his wife Carolina are ready to start the next chapter of their lives and have decided to close the store.
“This store has been my life’s work,” said Brent in a press release about the store's closing. “It has meant everything to serve this community and to be part of so many important milestones over the years.”
In retirement, the pair plan to spend more time traveling.
The retailer is currently hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
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