Fort Worth saddened by loss of retailer. A symbol of city’s ‘culture, style, and spirit.'
November 11,2024
See full Fort Worth Star-Telegram article by Harrison Mantas here.
One of Fort Worth’s oldest businesses is closing its doors for good.
Haltom’s Jewelers, which opened its first Fort Worth store in 1905, will begin selling off its inventory before announcing a final closing date.
Store owner Jack Miller emphasized in a statement to the Star-Telegram that he and his wife and co-owner Ladye Ann are not retiring.
“Between us we have 108 years of retailing and 108 years of working Saturdays. We both feel now is a good time to end our retail careers,” he said in the statement.
The jeweler has locations at Sundance Square, at 6102 Camp Bowie Blvd., and at Grapevine Town Center. All three stores are closing.
Haltom’s has been a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s business community, said Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce in a statement to the Star-Telegram.
“For decades, this business has not only set the standard for quality and craftsmanship, but has also been a symbol of the culture, style, and spirit that makes our town unique,” he said.
Miller bought the business from the Haltom family in 1983, after previously working at his father’s store downtown. He moved the business to Sundance Square in 1988, citing the thriving businesses, restaurants and foot traffic.
Quality was of the upmost importance to Miller. He told the Star-Telegram in 1993 that jewelry doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to be the best of its class.
Miller also found ways to give back to the Fort Worth community, including donating profits from a 1995 exhibition of rare Swiss watches to Cook Children’s Hospital.
“I did it because I’m a local, and I want to help the place I live,” Miller told the Star-Telegram at the time.
Dr. Marie Holliday, who owns a dental practice and flower shop downtown, recalled how the Millers created a neighborhood atmosphere through their friendly interactions with other downtown business owners.
“I will miss just knowing that you have people that have always been examples of what it means to be committed to the Fort Worth community,” she said.
Losing Haltom’s and the Millers is a loss for the downtown business community, said Andy Taft, president of the nonprofit Downtown Fort Worth Inc, in a text message to the Star-Telegram.
“Haltom’s is a legacy, marquee, local brand and the Millers are consummate retail leaders and genuinely caring, honorable and widely respected people,” he said. Haltom’s started as a watch repair shop in 1893 in Bowie before owner G.W. Haltom moved into the jewelry business. The first Haltom’s location in Fort Worth opened near West Fourth Street and Main Street before moving to the ground floor of what is now the Courtyard Marriot at 607 Main St. It moved to its current location at West Third and Main Street in 1988.
The 18-foot-tall clock standing outside the store at 317 Main St. will also be leaving. Miller said he had a plan for the clock, but wasn’t ready to share it publicly.
Haltom’s departure marks the latest in a series of Sundance Square store closures that have generated complaints from some of its long-term tenants.
Reata Steakhouse moved to the Tower building in July 2024, and Melt Ice Cream, which closed its location in a Sundance Square owned building at 308 Houston St, recently announced it will return to downtown in 2025 with a location at 700 Main St.
Representatives for Sundance Square did not respond to an email requesting comment about Haltom’s closure.
All Haltom’s employees will get paid through the end of 2025 along with health benefits and retirement account contributions, Miller said in his statement to the Star-Telegram. Miller considered selling the business, but worried his employees wouldn’t get long-term severance pay if things didn’t work out with the new owner.
Location Mentioned: Haltom's Jewelers