New Albany jeweler closing after 134 years

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's known as Southern Indiana's oldest and most trusted jeweler.

J.O. Endris opened Endris Jewelers in 1880. It survived the Great Depression, the Great Flood, even the recent recession.

"It was a little rough for awhile but we have loyal customers and here they all are," said Jean Caesar, co-owner of Endris Jewelers.

The New Albany business was passed down the Endris family until the Caesar's bought it in 1960.

"We've been coming here every since I was a little kid, so it's a piece of history here," said customer, Brian Bades.

The tradition of honest, quality jewelry continues today with Jean and her husband Robert.

Caeser said, "It's sad because it's been here for 134 years and it's just going to be gone."

The two are retiring, and closing the doors for good.

"It's been our whole life, when you own your own business its 24/7 and that's how we work and we're just tired of working," said Caesar.

But that hard work paid off, leading to a bittersweet celebration.

"It's like black Friday in there its going crazy, you can't get waited on ," said Bades.

The place is packed with a line of people waiting at the counter. Endris Jewelers' entire inventory is up to 70% off. Loyal customers are giving them the sendoff they deserve.

Customer, Shailaza Ladha, said, "I feel like it's somebody I know, I know they're going to take care of my things."

"I trust them, they're just such special people to us I just hate to see them go," said Juanita Zeller, another customer.

The owners are not selling the building just yet, but say there's no chance another jewelry store will take it's place.

"I don't want someone else to take over this business and not do business the way we did because sometimes it just ruins your good name," said Caesar.

Endris Jewelers does not have a set closing date. The owners say the store will remain open until they sell all their inventory.