Frederick's downtown district has been a vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment destination for most of its 275 years. Businesses prospered until the trend of suburban malls and enclosed retail spurred an exodus from downtown in the 1970s, leaving vacant stores and fewer shoppers. Despite this, the Hurwitz family stayed committed to downtown, and since 1948, Jeff, Patty and Sarah Hurwitz's Colonial Jewelers has remained a cornerstone in Frederick.
The 1990s brought a renaissance to small downtowns as more and more people desired to impact their communities directly.
"When everyone was leaving the downtown area, my family felt strongly about remaining here. It was hard, but I'm so glad we stayed. We weathered the drought, and thankfully, businesses and the community returned to revitalize downtown," says Sarah Hurwitz Robey, the fourth generation Hurwitz to run the business.
Although it was challenging financially for many downtown businesses during that time, Sarah says, "We believed in the resilience of downtown and in the community that sustains the businesses here. The community is committed to buying from local businesses, and they continued to show up for us."
"This year more than ever has shown us all the value of buying local and supporting local people," says Sarah. "People are more rooted in their communities. I think people want to buy from a person that they see and get to know. We have a staff that works to develop those relationships, and they have spent numerous hours becoming a more valuable resource for the customer in their professionalism and knowledge. For example, they can answer any question you may have about engagement rings and are committed and excited to help you find the perfect ring."
"We work to develop the relationship because jewelry is not a purchase that you buy and never think about again. You will need to have your prongs checked; your pieces cleaned, maybe you will need a resize, and you will want to come to people you trust. We sell jewelry, but we are really in the love business," says Sarah.
Colonial Jewelers is in the love business that features engagement rings, push-gifts, anniversary gifts and more. But Colonial Jewelers is also in the giving-back business. The Hurwitz family is well known for their love of Frederick and their generous spirit.
Jeff and Patty have a huge heart for the community. Through Patty's battle with cancer, they created the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund, raising more than $2 million to bring to Frederick diagnostic equipment that many larger cities do not even have.
"I wanted women in Frederick to have access to the most innovative options in early detection and treatment of breast cancer," says Patty, "and I am grateful that Frederick has come alongside in support and appreciation for the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund."
In addition to the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund, Patty has a passion to help solve world hunger and offer mental health support to local communities.
"For the past 16 years, I've been involved with raising funds for an international organization, Growing Hope Globally, which funds programs in developing countries that help smallholder farmers grow lasting solutions to hunger. And for the past nine years, I have served on the Board of Brook Lane, a mental health service organization based in Washington and Frederick counties," says Patty.
Looking for creative ways to provide additional support for the community, through Colonial Jewelers, Sarah started "The Charity Em(brace)let" program.
“This program features a different gemstone bracelet every month and 100% of the profits go toward supporting local organizations such as The Heartly House, Blessings in a Backpack and I Believe in Me,” says Sarah.
The bracelets make great gifts, so your gift has a double impact. They can be purchased online through Colonial Jewelers' website.
"People might think of our store as unapproachable, but only until they get in the door. We have fine jewelry to fit every budget and every lifestyle,” Sarah says. “Our staff make people feel so comfortable. We almost always see people for happy occasions such as getting engaged, having babies, anniversaries and retirement. All of that makes for such a wonderful environment. Our staff truly enjoys being part of the Frederick community. They get to know our customers, and many become friends."
Because of their commitment to the community, people do feel as though the Hurwitzs and their staff are like family. It is not unusual to see Patty speaking to someone who dropped by to say hello.
"I think it says more about the people who take the time to stop by. I love to hear peoples' stories, and if there are ways I can help by listening or offering advice, I love doing that," says Patty.
"Our mission statement has been, 'To be the most desirable source of jewelry and service in our market.’ And I am adding to it, 'and a place where customers love to shop and where people love to work.' Quality and service will always be the backbone of our mission statement, but we want it to be a fun place for our customers to shop and an enjoyable place for our staff to work," says Sarah.
ColonialJewelers.com