Customers trickled into a longtime Bradenton Jeweler this afternoon, and for many of them, it would be for the last time.
- Pierro's Jewelers will close after 67 years in business
- Current owner Ron Pierro took business over from his father
- He wants to sell all of the store's inventory before closing for good
For 44 years Ron Pierro has been behind the jewelry counter at Pierro’s Jewelers doing what he loves.
But now, it’s time to retire.
"I'm on my third generation of people," said Pierro. "I've sold to their grandparents, their kids, and now their grandkids. I said before I get to the fourth generation it's time to retire."
Pierro’s story started back in 1951 when his father, Ralph, opened the store. The original license still hangs on the wall next to the front door and serves as a constant reminder of the love that’s been behind Pierro’s Jewelers for the last nearly 70 years.
Ron said the decision to close the store was not an easy one to make, but he felt it was the only option.
"I have one son, but he is disabled, so I have no one to pass it on to," he said. "At this point, I didn't want to just try and sell it. It's been a family business for 67 years and I was gonna keep it that way."
While the team at Pierro’s may not all share the same blood, it is clear they are family. Bonnie Bradley has been sharing in the family’s dream for 27 years. She says while it is tough to see the closing signs all around, she knows the connections she’s made here will continue.
"Some of the relationships will go on, and we'll see people around in the community," said Bradley. "I intend to be as involved as I can."
The store doesn’t have a final closing date, as Ron plans to sell out his inventory before shutting down.