Landmark Jewelry Store Closing In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — After more than 100 years in business, J. Albert Johnson Jewelers in Fairfield is closing its doors forever and it’s going out with a huge sale. Current owners David and Judy Kiselstein have decided it’s the right time to retire and close the family business. J. Albert Johnson Jewelers, which was established in 1915 and is located at 1957 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield, is holding a going out of business sale that begins Tuesday, Nov. 6.

The store is inviting customers for a special Preview Party on Nov. 6 and 7 where the entire inventory will be on sale for up to 70 percent off. Also at the special event, an additional 10 percent will be taken off the lowest sale price on everything in the store.

“Thank you for your friendship, it's been an honor to serve you,” reads a post on the store’s Facebook page.

“You’ll find classic to modern pieces in price ranges to suit everybody’s needs,” David Kiselstein said of the sale. “From silver charms to diamond bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings. In just about any price range.”

After the store closes, David Kiselstein wants to pursue one of his other passions — flying. He’s also planning to become be a flight instructor, according to a press release.

“I think Judy wants to continue to be the best chef that she can be,” he said.

“No,” Judy said with a laugh. “I really don’t know yet. I’ll just be happy to find out what I want to do while David is flying.”

Read more about the family from the press release below:

They can trace their roots to the store in 1953, the year his father bought the business from J. Albert Johnson in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

As a child and then as a teen David recalled doing odds and ends in the store including cleaning display cases, engraving jewelry and gift wrapping.

David and Judy bought the business in 1980 from David’s parents, which was already well established on Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield.

Pursuing a major in marketing in college with a minor in advertising, David said, “I saw the opportunity to take the family business, which had not been doing any advertising per se, and try as a fledgling marketer to increase the business, which I did and built it to the success it is today.”

He adds: “Plus it has been nice to have been together and work with my family for such a long time, over 45 years.”

He was quick to point out that Judy has been an excellent complement to the sales team with her warm and bubbly personality.

Missing their customers

For the Kiselsteins, being honest, along with the extra effort they put into making their customer’s happy and comfortable, have been the key ingredient to their success.

Inside the store, customers are greeted warmly by the staff. Cookies, cupcakes and hot coffee are always served.

They’ll miss their customers, some of whom have become very close friends over the years.

If customer testimonials published on the store’s website and on Google are any indication, the feeling will be mutual.

“My grandmother’s ring is now a beautiful custom designed pendant,” one customer wrote. “Thank you, J. Albert Johnson Jewelers, for helping me preserve this special piece for future generations.”

Wrote another: “The service and the atmosphere were awesome...very friendly! They made us feel at home.”

Giving back

David and Judy felt it was important to be involved in the community and have donated and supported a variety of organizations over the years. Judy also served on the board of directors for the Greater Bridgeport Symphony.

The store’s legacy

They reflect on what they hope the store has meant to the community.

“Certainly, we are proud that customers were able to trust us and build good relationships with us, while acquiring fine quality jewelry that they can pass down to future generations,” he said. “Along with a smile.”

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturday and from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. There will be special evening hours on Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.

For more information, visit the store’s website here.

Contributed photo and press release.

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