National jewelry chain celebrates expansion of Wilmington location

A national jewelry chain that started in Wilmington has expanded one of its Port City locations.

Here's what to know.

Where's the expansion?

Reeds Jewelers announced the celebration of its 78th anniversary with a grand opening of a nearly 9,000- square-foot showroom at its Mayfaire Town Center store, located at 926 Inspiration Drive.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a news release. The store first opened in 2004 .

What's included in the showroom?

The newly remodeled showroom will feature the area's only Rolex corner and a brand-new David Yurman experience. Reeds Jewelers also will offer an exquisite selection of other high-end brands ― Omega, Tudor, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Roberto Coin, Mikimoto, Messika, Marco Bicego, John Hardy, Ippolita and Temple St. Claire.

More: A hotel near Mayfaire opens, joining a growing list of new stores and restaurants

Alan M. Zimmer, President & CEO of Reeds Jewelers, noted the company's rich history in Wilmington and its future.

"We started 78 years ago in downtown Wilmington, and we are incredibly proud of our newly remodeled landmark at Mayfaire Town Center," Zimmer said. "This location embodies the luxury and excellence that Reeds Jewelers stands for, and we are thrilled to continue serving our valued customers with the finest jewelry and exceptional service."

Where did Reeds start in Wilmington?

Reeds first opened in 1946, when founders Bill and Roberta Zimmer discovered a small downtown jewelry store on Front Street.

They bought it and changed the name to Reeds Jewelers. By 1979, the Zimmers operated two dozen retail outlets in the Carolinas. The downtown Wilmington store closed in 2002.

It's now one of the country's largest jewelry retailers.

What are other local Reeds Jewelers locations?

Reeds has a second Wilmington store at Independence Mall, which was renovated and expanded in 2022.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: National jewelry chain celebrates expansion of Wilmington location