I posted this to my blog, and it was mentioned in the Post, but Hamilton Jewelers at 7th and Olive will be closing this spring - very sad. I'm kind of surprised that no one stepped up to buy the business from Mr. Beumer.
- 5,433
^ That is a real shame. I'm glad to see the influx of newer businesses in downtown, but I'm concerned about the number of longtime businesses that have closed in recent years. I almost hate to come to this particular forum in an economy like this- it seems like whenever there's been something new posted or something old bumped to the top of the page, it's been mostly bad news lately. Hamilton Jewelers was one of those places that I thought would always be there. It even survived the unfortunate butchering of the building in which it is located over 30 years ago. Damn. 
- 10K
As a watch freak, I had always dreamed of buying a Rolex from them someday. 
I bought my wedding ring from them and used them to service my current watch - they were always so great to deal with. They treated me the same way whether I was making a major purchase or just spending a couple of bucks to have a link removed from my watch band.
I bought my wedding ring from them and used them to service my current watch - they were always so great to deal with. They treated me the same way whether I was making a major purchase or just spending a couple of bucks to have a link removed from my watch band.
- 1,517
Very, very sad. I wish there were some small business emergency fund that the city could open in order to keep some of these landmark businesses alive during down times or when, for whatever reason, a new development evicts a long-time tenant.
- 2,930
A quality businessman who built a strong brand, with loyal customers who came back for both product & service, who has so earned the rights to retire well. I wish him a long and prosperous retirement full of his family and peace, and will remember him for the quality of his business as well as deciding to remain downtown. Here's to lots of golf and fishing.
That this business is gone is less a sign of downtown StL than it is for the fact we are in a giant recession & quasi-depression, and that if you sell luxury goods during this time, you're probably going to see less customers. It's the nature of the business cycle.
For all of us concerned with the livelihood of the business community, we should focus on the macro causalities of it, then consider our micro world upon such. I don't want to have a slush fund for every company that's going through down times just because they're located in a certain area, even in a developing stretch of downtown. I know that, if one existed, it would be abused royally as a subsidy.
Let's focus on keeping the developments alive; in ten years, we could have three jewelers jockeying for position in OPO Square if we play our hands right.
That this business is gone is less a sign of downtown StL than it is for the fact we are in a giant recession & quasi-depression, and that if you sell luxury goods during this time, you're probably going to see less customers. It's the nature of the business cycle.
For all of us concerned with the livelihood of the business community, we should focus on the macro causalities of it, then consider our micro world upon such. I don't want to have a slush fund for every company that's going through down times just because they're located in a certain area, even in a developing stretch of downtown. I know that, if one existed, it would be abused royally as a subsidy.
Let's focus on keeping the developments alive; in ten years, we could have three jewelers jockeying for position in OPO Square if we play our hands right.
- 10K
I don't disagree with anything you just posted; it's just disappointing to lose a great business like Hamilton.
I'd be interested to know if they owned their building, or if they leased their space. Maybe someone will step up and take their place at 7th and Locust. After all, it's been a great location for 70+ years, so maybe someone could make it work.
I always thought the Arcade Building's shopping arcade would be perfect for jewelers and other high-end retailers.
I'd be interested to know if they owned their building, or if they leased their space. Maybe someone will step up and take their place at 7th and Locust. After all, it's been a great location for 70+ years, so maybe someone could make it work.
I always thought the Arcade Building's shopping arcade would be perfect for jewelers and other high-end retailers.
Do they rent at this location? Were they the owner that chopped off the Columbia Building?
I saw the owner interviewed on the news the other night. His St. Louis accent is out of control! That guy needs a translator! He seems like a great guy-- so St. Louis. Another slice of the "old downtown" is gone, joining Amatin's, Goodman's Gus's, Weinberger, Knickerbocker, The Leading Man, Jimmie's Diner and countless other old school businesses that I remember from the early '90s.