Customers React as Bachman Jewelers on 7th Owner Announces Retirement

(KNSI) – A landmark jewelry store in downtown St. Cloud is closing for good.

Jake Judd KNSI News

Bachman Jewelers on 7th is going out of business as owner John Bestgen announced his retirement following 50 years at the company. Mary Schaefer from Albany, formerly of St. Cloud, told KNSI News that she’d been going to the store for nearly 50 years. “My first husband bought my engagement ring here. And then he passed away. And they were very nice about putting my daughter’s birthstones on his wedding ring. My parents have gotten things there. Everybody has gone there. And it’s just sad.”

When Mary remarried 20 years ago, her second husband also got her engagement ring at Bachman’s. She says Company President John Bestgen and his staff treat everyone as if they belong. “They’re just like family. John is excellent. He always has time to talk. The girls are just phenomenal. They’re great at customer service, and we’re going to miss them.”

She says their departure leaves a hole downtown. “It’s sad to see somebody that’s hometown have to close. And then, where are we going to go?”

Employees say everything in the store is for sale and must go. Bachman’s is offering steep discounts on all remaining items. No closing date was posted.

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