McCary’s Jewelers opened 70 years ago in a rented space shared with a local Barber Shop at 410 Milam Street in Downtown Shreveport. With $500 and some loaned jewelry equipment, the McCary’s family started what
was primarily a watch sales and repair business, the main stock and trade of
the early 1940’s. Their business journey is much like looking at snapshots of
Shreveport history, as they moved, changed and grew into their established
business in South Shreveport.
“Back then, Youngbloods, Flournoy & Harris, and Peacocks were the principle jewelry stores and Milam Street was the hub of retail shopping. Even then we were fortunate enough to be in the right places at the right times. McCary’s established with good, loyal customers that followed us with each move,” said R.L. McCary, owner.
In December of 1941 when war was declared, small businesses across the country were challenged to maintain their business sales, while
the nation was rationing, and pricing was a premium for even the staple
items.
Jewelry was a luxury item and it wasn’t until after the war, that a real
economic boost hit the local area. McCary’s became one of the main watch
inspectors for the trolley drivers. With six watchmakers, high demand pocket
watches and chains, and the finest suppliers, the business thrived. Soon after, a launch into fairly new services of manufacturing positioned McCary’s in what remains to be their niche in the market. Soldiers returned from war with all types of jewels and with great ease and natural ability, McCary’s was
resetting stones and designing unique settings.
As the Shreveport-Bossier City areas continued to grow, McCary’s capitalized on the opportunities and in 1961, was able to garner prime positioning in what was then the largest mall in the state of Louisiana, ShreveCity Shopping Center.
“Shreve City opened doors for our family. Dad (R.L. McCary) left the
downtown store to aid the family in operations and sales. He created a
reputation for his unusual designs and has proven to be not only an artistic
manufacturer, but also a respected businessman,” said Lynn McCary-Thomas, his youngest daughter.
McCary’s was an anchor for 26 years in the Shreve City Shopping
scene. In the mid-80’s after the local men who had originally owned and built the shopping center gradually passed away, the heirs sold to larger
companies, well-known local stores began to move out to other mall
establishments, while the cheaper discount stores moved in. When Penney’s
decided to move in 1986 to the new Pierre Bossier Mall, R.L. McCary found a
small center on East 70th Street next to the Sheraton Hotel. It was a good
feeder market from Bossier City, where the business had established a
strong customer base, and it was an area with great potential growth.
For 20 years, McCary’s has been one of the very few jewelers in our
market whose design and manufacturing is all in-house. The jewelers are an
American Gem Society store, with a staff that includes a certified geologist
appraiser, and caring advisors with a passion for fashion and fine jewelry. The jewelers are proud members of the American Gem Society and the
Gemological Institute of America. Membership in these organizations assures McCary’s customers of the knowledge and skill of professional jewelers.
McCary's provides the local area with unique, well-crafted pieces from
a special collection of designers or in-house designs to create custom pieces.
The business has truly touched the lives of generations of customers.
“We have provided their baby gifts, their wedding rings, their
anniversary surprises, their birthday celebrations, their graduations, and just
very special moments. It seems there is only three degrees of separation.
Our customers are so much a part of our everyday lives. We truly wouldn’t
be celebrating 65 years of successful business without them, their children
and their grandchildren,” said Lynn McCary-Thomas.
The McCary’s Jewelers Family extends an open invitation in honor of the 65th Anniversary Celebration, Friday, September 15th and Saturday, September 16th, at McCary’s Jewelers 1409 E. 70th Street. Appreciation gifts will be given to all who attend and customers can register to win a pair of one
carat total weight earrings. A special gift will be given to long-time customers
who can bring in a box from McCary’s Milam Street or Shreve City store.
Click HERE to see some of McCary's memories that friends from throughout the years have brought in to share. |
