FLORENCE – In 2015, Grogan Jewelers celebrated 100 years in Florence. That same year, Lon Brown, the owner of Lon’s Jewelers, purchased the store and merged the two businesses. With the merger, a new name was introduced that both preserves the store’s legacy as well as its acquisition by a respected jeweler: Grogan Jewelers by Lon.
During an in-store presentation today, the Alabama Retail Association recognized Grogan Jewelers by Lon as an Alabama Centennial Retailer. The business at 285 Cox Creek Parkway received a bronze plaque and a certificate marking its more than 100 years of operation. The retailer also has locations in Huntsville and Franklin, TN, for its collection of luxury designer jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, bracelets, necklaces, pearls and watches.
Elisha A. Grogan founded Grogan Jewelers in the heart of Florence in 1915. His son, Oscar, took over the Court Street family business in 1940 and ran it until it was sold in 1972 to Walker and Frankie Graham. Jay Klos became owner in 1985. Klos was at the helm when Grogan Jewelers opened its Huntsville location in 2007 and in 2013 moved the Florence store to its current location on Cox Creek Parkway. The business, which has claimed the tagline “where North Alabama gets engaged,” was named as an Alabama Gold Retailer of the Year in 2012; and in 2014 was rated as the “Coolest Store in America” by Instore magazine.
Lon Brown, who opened her jewelry store in Florence in 1987 and grew a reputation for customer service, came to America in 1969 after meeting her husband during his service in the Vietnam War. While owning her own business, the hard-working entrepreneur raised her three children, supported the education of nieces and nephews and assisted most of her family in their immigration to America.
Now in its 108th year, Grogan Jewelers by Lon remains an independent, family-owned business. Other family members, Roger and Jennifer Brown, Bret and Linda Gist, and Jason and Crystal Brown, joined in purchasing Grogan Jewelers by Lon. While Lon and daughter Linda live in Alabama, sons Roger and Jason live in Williamson County, Tennessee, where the retailer opened a third location in 2016. The Brown family has grown the business tremendously during its ownership.
Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown said, “For a business to survive the dramatic changes of the past century is a remarkable achievement. It is fitting to celebrate the enduring first-century contributions Grogan Jewelers by Lon and its 29 employees have made to the communities of Florence, Huntsville and Franklin, TN.”
The Alabama Retail Association represents retailers, the largest private employer in the state of Alabama, before the Alabama Legislature and the U.S. Congress. Through sales of food, clothing, furniture, medicine and more, our 4,300 independent merchant and national company members touch almost every aspect of daily living. Since 1943, we’ve worked to promote what’s best for the retail industry in Alabama. Whether voicing the retail view when public policy is made, educating members about issues that impact them, negotiating rates for benefits and services or communicating the retail story, the Alabama Retail Association and its members are better together.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Chris Koutsis, Grogan Jewelers by Lon | 256.764.4013
Nancy King Dennis, Alabama Retail Association | 334.868.2195 | 800.239.5423
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