CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Ginsberg Jewelers has started a “going out of business” sale, ending four generations of the family-owned jewelry store.
Steve Ginsberg, the fourth-generation owner, announced the store’s closure in early November, after 93 years in business.
Steve Ginsberg, right, points out jewelry to a customer on the first day of Ginsberg Jewelers’ going out of business sale. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Now at 4647 First Ave. SE, a free-standing building in Marketplace on First, the store was in a number of locations in Cedar Rapids until the 2008 flood, which inundated its downtown shop.
Steve’s father, Herman Ginsberg, retired in 2019 after 71 years at the helm of the business, which traces its origins to Steve’s great-grandfather, Charles Ginsberg (formerly Ginzburg), a Russian immigrant whose son, Isadore “Izzy” Ginsberg opened what began as a pawn shop in Cedar Rapids in 1930.
Katherine Smith, left, a past employee, helps customers Nov. 9, 2023, at Ginsberg Jewelers. Smith is one of a number of family and friends to help out at the store as it closes its doors. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
“We’re grateful for the memories, the stories, and the connections we’ve made,” Ginsberg stated in the store’s closing announcement. “To our cherished customers, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty throughout the years. Our journey wouldn’t have been as remarkable without you.”
Related: See photos from the final days of Smulekoff’s in downtown Cedar Rapids and more from the first day of the Ginsberg Jewelers closing sale:
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