st. clouds (WJON News) — A downtown St. Cloud staple is closing soon.
Buckman Jewelers After 97 years of history, the store is scheduled to close just before the start of summer.
Bernie Buckman began operations in 1926 and the family sold the store to the next company. Ted Bestgen 1970, his son John Bestgen Owned Bachman’s since 1995.
Bestgen said the decision to retire was not easy, but he was happy to be a part of many special moments.
I feel truly blessed to be able to be a part of people’s lives the way I am. I like to think of jewelry as wearable memories.
Bestgen says he’s proud to have helped create thousands of memories at various milestones in someone’s life.
He says he is overwhelmed by the number of people who have reached out to him.
They congratulate me, tell me I earned this, and share their sadness to see the business shut down. I can make a connection, and it really warms my heart.
Bestgen says there is no official cut-off date yet, but will close as soon as the remaining inventory is sold out.
As for the next chapter of his life, Bestgen says he wants to enjoy traveling, golfing, hunting and fishing a little more.
Bachman Jeweler’s has been in downtown St. Cloud since 1956.
