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IndependentsMar 12, 2019
Retail Jewelers Organization Reaches 1,000 Members
The organization was founded in the 1960s to support independently-owned businesses.
Newton, Iowa—The Retail Jewelers Organization has hit a new milestone.
The association announced that it now boasts 1,000 jewelry store members around the country.
RJO CEO Sarah Streb said in a media release, “RJO has grown into a nationally recognized name in the jewelry industry. We are proud of our roots, of our growth, and of our future in the industry.
“We are incredibly excited to have reached this milestone. Throughout our existence our retail members, in collaboration with our vendor partners, have been the drive behind every decision at RJO.”
Jeweler Grant Johnson established the RJO in the 1960s alongside 14 other jewelry stores to support independently owned businesses amid growing threat from regional and national chains.
RJO Membership Coordinator Erin Sharp explained, “RJO started among friends and that has not changed along the way. I love how supportive our members and vendors are, not only of RJO, but of each other. They all truly care about making sure RJO not only thrives but continues to flourish—and 1,000 members strong is a true reflection of that.”
Streb added that the organization provides its members annual dividends, educational support and collective buying power.
RJO has members in each of the 50 states but Hawaii. “I think that will be my new goal for 2019,” said Sharp.
For information on RJO and joining the organization, contact Sharp at 1-800-247-1774 or erin@rjomembers.com.
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