After nearly four decades in the Duluth community, Jewelers Bench is moving out of its downtown location, citing safety concerns and a lack of convenient parking.
The jewelry store has served customers for 38 years. Ten years ago, it relocated to downtown Duluth with hopes of expanding its business. But now, the owners say changes in the area have pushed them to find a new location.
“This used to be the golden block of downtown Duluth—everyone wanted to be here,” said Joby Furo, a goldsmith at Jewelers Bench. “Now I’m walking customers to their cars because they don’t feel safe. That tells you there’s a real problem.”
While the business experienced growth after moving downtown, the owners say the area has gradually declined.
“Over time, it just slid downhill,” said Lisa Netzel, a goldsmith and designer at the store. “The police and outreach teams are doing their best, but it feels like they’re playing whack-a-mole.”
Officials at Downtown Duluth say they are working to address these issues. They organize public safety meetings and run several programs to improve the area.
“When people speak up at these meetings, we take that feedback seriously,” said Kristi Stokes, Chief Operating Officer of Downtown Duluth. “We try to come up with solutions and work together as a community.”
One of those efforts is a new plan called Imagine Downtown Duluth. The initiative focuses on long-term improvements, including safety, business growth, walkability, lakefront access, and stronger connections between downtown, Canal Park, and nearby neighborhoods. The goal is to make the area a true destination for all Duluth residents by 2030.
The plan involved 18 focus groups, community interviews, walking tours, over 1,100 survey responses, and several public workshops and meetings.
Despite those efforts, the team at Jewelers Bench believes leaving downtown is the best decision for their customers.
Their last day in the current location will be May 13. They plan to open their new store by the end of May.
“It’s sad to see them go, but we understand businesses must do what’s best for them,” said Stokes.
Downtown Duluth could not confirm how many businesses have recently closed or left, but officials say six new businesses have opened, and more are expected to follow.
Related topics:
- Lauryn Hill Chooses Traceable Jewelry for the 2025 Met Gala
- Charlize Theron Named First-Ever Face of Dior’s High Jewelry Line
- Damiani Names Stray Kids’ I.N as Global Brand Ambassador
