Midwest family jeweler Gardner-Collier to close
Gardner-Collier Jewelry, a family-owned retailer that has served the Midwest for more than nine decades, announced it will close its doors as the family heads into retirement. The business operates three locations: one in Kirksville, Missouri, and two others in Oskaloosa and Ottumwa, Iowa.
The closure was announced in a letter shared to the jeweler’s Facebook page last week. The business was founded after World War I by Ray P. Gardner and later taken over by Bruce and Carol Collier. Their son, Bryan Collier, is the current owner.
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In an emailed statement to National Jeweler, Bryan Collier described carrying on the legacy as “an incredible honor,” adding, “The relationships we’ve built and the generations of families we’ve served have made my career truly meaningful and rewarding. While closing this chapter is bittersweet, I am deeply grateful for the loyalty, friendship, and support our community has shown us throughout the years.”
In retirement, Bryan plans to spend more time with his wife, Bonnie, and family, as well as gardening and traveling. The stores will be closed from October 18–25, with going-out-of-business sales set to begin October 26.
