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Reeds Jewelers Celebrates 80 Years of Excellence and Growth
Reeds Jewelers is honoring its 80th year in business, a significant milestone marked by special client gatherings, the launch of a new retail location, and heartfelt tributes to its pioneering founders, Bill and Roberta Zimmer. This celebration underscores the company's rich history and its vision for the future.
The Zimmer family’s dedication to their clientele and communities was instrumental in Reeds becoming one of the largest family-operated jewelry businesses in the United States, with over 36 outlets across 13 states. Genna Zimmer, Bill and Roberta's granddaughter and the company’s vice president of strategy and operations, highlights her grandfather’s enduring principle: always prioritize the customer. She recounts a touching anecdote where a nurse fondly remembered Bill’s exceptional treatment, a testament to his renowned generosity.
Reeds’ journey began in 1946 when Bill and Roberta acquired a jewelry store in Wilmington, N.C., renaming it Reeds, a nod to Bill Zimmer’s grandfather's earlier jewelry enterprise. The company is now led by their son, Alan, as CEO, with other family members, including Genna, her cousin Mark Schreiber, and her sister Brittney, holding key leadership roles. Genna, who rejoined Reeds in 2015 after a career in corporate finance, is committed to upholding the family’s heritage and fostering the next generation of the business, including her infant daughter.
The company continues to thrive by celebrating significant life events with its customers through special giveaways and anniversary events. A highlight of the anniversary festivities was the grand opening of Reeds’ newest Landmark store in Cary, N.C., earlier this year. This expansive 7,800-square-foot luxury showroom features dedicated bridal consultation areas, opulent seating, and showcases prestigious watch brands like Rolex and Omega. This modern, experiential retail environment contrasts with the original store’s modest design, yet both embody the founders' core belief in a deep, personal connection with their patrons. The Zimmer family remains dedicated to perpetuating this legacy of genuine care and community engagement for generations to come, recognizing that jewelry often marks life's most cherished moments.
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