By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
After an illustrious 78-year journey in the industry, Segaloff’s Jewelers is bidding farewell to its cherished location in Needham. While the official closing date is yet to be announced, owner Bernie Segaloff will gradually conclude sales activities by the end of 2023.
Established by Bernie's grandfather in 1946, this third-generation family business has been under Bernie's dedicated stewardship for the past 45 years. Despite not being Bernie's initial career choice, he has navigated and overseen the store's operations since he took the reins. Interestingly, Bernie's father had also initially resisted entering the jewelry business and adamantly vowed against involving his children. However, circumstances evolved, leading Bernie to join the family enterprise at the tender age of eleven.
Originally a wholesale establishment situated in the historic Jewelers Building on Washington Street in downtown Boston, the business underwent a transformation, becoming a retail shop on 20 Chestnut Street in Needham in 1977. Over the years, Segaloff's has thrived, attracting both new and loyal clientele through its doors.
In a twist of fate, unlike his father, Bernie made a conscious decision early in life to spare his daughters from involvement in the business. Desiring a different path for them, he envisioned corporate careers with scheduled vacations, hoping they wouldn't carry the responsibilities home, a departure from his own experience.
When asked about how Bernie came to the decision to now close the store, he stated, “I always thought that I would retire early. Not for any reason, other than that was my game plan, and that just never happened. Through Covid we were fine but I have just been getting tired. I lost my older brother back in March, my wife Cheryl, her dad passed away, so it has been a very long couple of years. I have been contemplating closing and people have told me that I will know when it is time, and I just woke up one morning about eight or nine weeks ago and I turned to Cheryl and said ‘I’m done.’ I want to get out while we still have our health and just find time for ourselves.”
Due to the demanding nature of long hours and hectic schedules, Bernie and Cheryl aren't envisioning their retirement revolving around travel, as they haven't had the opportunity to explore much in previous years. When questioned about the next chapter in their retirement journey, Bernie mentioned, “Honestly, our biggest goal, it’s going to sound ridiculous, is to wake up every morning, come downstairs, get a cup of coffee, go out in our sunroom, and sit and watch traffic go by. Then we will decide what we want to do today. Maybe a walk, going out, even going back to bed. So we really just want time. I am sure that will be short lived and we will do something, but just for right now, we want the time to decompress and try and relax.”
Closing the store has nothing to do with a decline in business or any compulsion to shut their doors; quite the opposite, in fact. Bernie chuckled, revealing that the business is currently experiencing perhaps its peak activity. However, it's time for him to prioritize himself and his wife. Despite his deep affection for customers, Bernie recognizes that unless he takes the step to retire now, it might never happen.
As they gradually initiate the official closure, Segaloff’s is actively liquidating inventory with discounts of up to 75%. No reasonable offer will be turned away, and both Bernie and Cheryl eagerly anticipate the opportunity to bid farewell to their regular customers one last time. Surprisingly, they've been touched by the expressions of how much the community will miss their business, a sentiment they hadn't fully grasped.
Cheers to an incredible retirement for Bernie, Cheryl, and their adorable watchdog, Mabel, who has been a steadfast presence in the store. May every moment be savored, and heartfelt thanks for the exceptional business you've brought to Needham!
