Headlines

‘Old West’ Jewelry Store Celebrates 127 Years in Business

Published

8 years ago

October 18, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Many things have changed — but a few haven’t.

Today, Nacol’s Jewelry in Wichita Falls, TX, operates in a completely different business environment — and even a different city — than it did when it opened in 1889.

Still, a few things haven’t changed, the Times Record News reports.

Samuel Joseph Nacol launched the business in Eunice, LA, and sold jewelry as well as a variety of general goods throughout the town.

“They would go on street corners and other families’ houses. It’s been fun watching how business has evolved from literally just a guy with a cart to a full-blown e-commerce and retail business,” said Jeff Nacol Turnbo, a great-grandson of Samuel Joseph Nacol.

In those days, merchandise on offer ranged from jewelry to hats to guns — after all, it was the Old West, Jeff Nacol Turnbo notes. Nowadays the focus is on jewelry.

The business moved to Wichita Falls in the 1950s, and today the store serves many customers who have been coming in for decades — along with their children and grandchildren.

Robbi Long, operations manager for the store, says some aspects have stayed the same over the decades, including the fact that the business is “all about the customer.”

“That’s why it makes it family — you treat that person the way you want to be treated,” Long told the Times Record News. “It’s not just hurry up and sell them something.”

Read more at the Times Record News

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”