For over seven decades, Plaza Jewelers has been more than just a jewelry store in Batesville. The family-run business has been a cornerstone of the community, a place where generations have marked life’s special moments, such as engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays.

Gaines and Mary Ruth Smith founded the store in 1952 as Community Jewelers, a small watch repair shop and jewelry store. After learning the trade through the GI Bill, the Navy veteran decided to put down roots in his wife’s hometown of Batesville. Over the years, the business expanded and evolved, becoming Plaza Jewelers and moving to its current location on Highway 51 North in 1986.

My parents started this business with a dream and a lot of hard work,” said Mark Smith, who, along with his sister Lisa Meyer, took over the store in 2012 following their father’s passing. “It’s been a part of our family and this community for so long; it’s hard to imagine life without it.”

The Sale: A Final Farewell

To mark the closing, Plaza Jewelers is holding a retirement sale that offers customers a chance to purchase a piece of the store’s history. The sale features a wide range of items, from affordable silver pieces to exquisite platinum and diamond jewelry.

“We have something for everyone,” Smith said. “Whether a small gift or a significant investment piece, this sale is a great opportunity for our loyal customers and new ones alike to find something special.”

The store’s inventory, carefully curated over the years, includes bridal jewelry, anniversary gifts, and unique custom pieces that reflect the quality and craftsmanship customers have known about for years. Beyond fine jewelry, the sale will include items from the store’s clothing boutique, which is managed by Smith’s wife, Donna.

Growing Up in the Business

For the siblings, the jewelry store felt like a second home. “We spent a lot of time here as kids,” Smith said. “The store was kind of like a babysitter. We grew up watching our parents work hard to serve the community.”

As they grew older, they naturally gravitated toward the family business. While Meyer manages the financial aspects, Smith is a skilled bench jeweler who handles repairs and custom designs. Over the years, they’ve continued the family tradition of exceptional customer service and high-quality jewelry.

A Tough Decision to Close

Deciding to close Plaza Jewelers wasn’t made lightly. “It’s bittersweet,” Meyer said. “We’ve been blessed with wonderful customers, a supportive community, and an amazing staff, all of which have made the store successful over the years.”

The challenges of running a small retail business have changed significantly since their parents ran the store. “It’s never been easy,” Smith said. “But the retail landscape is different now. It’s not as simple as it once was.”

The siblings look forward to retirement but will miss working with their staff and serving their customers. “We’ve been a part of so many happy moments in people’s lives, and that’s something we’ll always remember,” Smith said.

A Community Treasure

Plaza Jewelers’ loyal customer base extends beyond Batesville, drawing shoppers from nearby counties and even as far as Memphis, Tenn. “We’ve had customers who’ve been with us for generations,” Smith said. “It’s amazing to think we’ve been part of so many families’ lives.”

The family has also been active in the community, supporting local schools, sports teams, and charities like Grace Place, a Christian outreach program. “Giving back has always been important to us,” Meyer said. “We’re proud to have supported the community that’s supported us for so many years.”

A Lasting Legacy

As the siblings prepare to close the doors for the last time, they reflect on the legacy their parents built. “We just want people to remember us as a family that cared about this community,” Smith said. “We were there for the happy times, and that’s something special.”

Plaza Jewelers will officially close its doors at the end of the year. Until then, customers are invited to stop by for the retirement sale, share memories, and say goodbye to a beloved local institution. As one chapter ends for the Smith family, they look forward to the future and the new memories they’ll create outside the store’s walls.

Final Days and New Beginnings

While the end of Plaza Jewelers is a significant moment for Batesville, Mark and Lisa look forward to a well-earned retirement surrounded by family. “We’re excited to have more time with our grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” Meyer said. “This is our next chapter, and we’re ready for it.”

For the Smith family, Plaza Jewelers has been a labor of love. Though the store may be closing, the memories and impact it made on the community will last for years to come.

Want to go?

What: Plaza Jewelers Retirement Sale

When: Sale opens to the public Oct. 11

Where: 102 Highway 51 N, Batesville, MS 38606

Store hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

More info.: Call 662-563-5601