Indianapolis, IN — Windsor Jewelry, a cherished downtown institution for over a century, will close its doors for good this Saturday afternoon. The store, which has been a fixture in Indianapolis since 1919, is marking the end of an era under the ownership of Greg Biers, who has run the business for 40 years.
Biers, who first took the helm of the store in 1984, said it’s time to retire after four decades of selling jewelry in the heart of the city. “This store opened in 1919, survived the Great Depression, a world war, and several recessions,” he said. “We’ve weathered a lot of storms, and even under my watch, we’ve made it through some tough times, but we always came out on the other side.”
Among the most recent challenges the store faced were the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest in downtown Indianapolis in 2020. The riots shattered Windsor Jewelry’s windows and left Biers grappling with theft, while his loyal customers adjusted to working from home. Despite the setbacks, he credits his dedicated customer base for helping the business survive.
“We’ve got such a strong and loyal customer base,” Biers explained. “That’s what kept us going during tough times. Our customers depend on us, and they tell me that.”
As Windsor Jewelry shuts its doors, it will join a growing list of empty storefronts around Monument Circle, including the vacant Emmis Broadcasting building and the former Anthem headquarters.
Anna Vanest, who opened the Command Coffee shop last February after Starbucks left its downtown location, believes it’s critical to continue investing in the city’s downtown. “If we don’t, the city will lose its big-city feel,” Vanest said. “It’s important to have businesses here for the long haul, and we’ve built a great community.”
Across the country, many downtowns have undergone major changes in recent years. City planners are shifting their focus from primarily business and tourism to more residential spaces to adapt to changing needs.
“I see a lot of revitalization happening downtown,” Biers said, citing the arrival of new hotels and residential conversions of office buildings. “It’s similar to what I saw in the 1980s, but this time, I think it’s going to be even better.”
Despite Windsor Jewelry’s closure, Biers is optimistic about the future of downtown Indianapolis. However, another local staple, Qdoba, recently closed its location across the street from Windsor Jewelry in the King Cole building, which is currently undergoing renovations.
On a more positive note, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is investing tens of millions of dollars to upgrade the Hilbert Circle Theater, and plans are underway to redevelop Circle Centre into a mixed-use residential, retail, and entertainment space.
Mayor Joe Hogsett is enthusiastic about the city’s future. “Downtown Indianapolis is making a tremendous comeback,” he said. “We saw record visitors last year, and I think Circle Centre is going to be the future of our downtown.”
While Biers is retiring from the jewelry business, there is hope that Windsor Jewelry may return. “I’ve been approached by someone serious about continuing the Windsor tradition and possibly reopening the store,” he said. “If that happens, it would be like the perfect ending to this story.”
Hogsett, a regular customer at Windsor Jewelry, expressed his admiration for Biers and his business. “Greg has been an institution downtown for more than 40 years,” the mayor said. “It’s sad to say goodbye, but I hope Windsor Jewelry lives on in some form.”
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