Cindy Dacus has enjoyed serving multiple generations of customers, some of whom have become close friends over the years.

That has made closing the store bittersweet for Dacus and her husband Tom. The couple met at the store, married, had children and have both worked there for four decades.

“I'll miss the wonderful customers that come in,” said Dacus, whose parents Anthony “Tony” Skatell Jr. and his wife Helen Skatell founded the store in 1964. “But we just felt it that closing the store was the right decision for us.”

Store’s history 

Dacus grew up working in the store, along with her siblings and has fond memories of experiencing a fun, close-knit family atmosphere. “It was wonderful working for a family business,” she said.

During the first five years of business, her parents took no salary, instead putting all of their earnings went back into the store. It wasn’t easy raising four small children. But it eventually paid off as the store became increasingly popular with customers in Greenville and upstate South Carolina.

The family also branched out. Tony and Helen Skatells’ oldest son, Anthony Joseph III, opened a store in Charleston, S.C., nearly 30 years ago. He then opened a store in Pineville, N.C. a few years later. Her sister Beth also opened a store in Spartanburg, S.C.

Dacus decided to remain at the Greenville store to help run it with her husband Tom and her parents. Son Ryan has worked at the store for about 12 years. His wife Amy has worked at the store as well.

“Customers know Ryan and my daughter-in-law,” Dacus said. “They love them both.”

 Dacus’ sister Debbie has also worked at the store for 30 years.

Customers are also familiar with the rest of the staff especially Amy Ortiz who has been at the store for more than 34 years. 

After 44 years of working retail, which includes holidays, both Cindy and Tom are also ready for another chapter in life.

Favorite customer stories

Dacus said one of her favorite customer memories is a well-to-do but down-to-earth woman who made regular trips to the store. She’d typically spend several hours in the store, and it wouldn’t be surprising if she bought about 25 items in a single trip.

But it’s her friendship that means the most.

“I'm going to miss her the most because I just love talking to her,” Dacus said. “She's just so exciting and so much fun. Over the years, we've become friends because she's come in so many times.”

Other customers have also expressed support and appreciation for Skatell’s Jewelers on social media.

“Skatell’s is the best jeweler, they have the best staff and work with you to make exactly what you want,” one customer wrote on in a review posted on the store’s Facebook page.

Wrote another: “Many times they have gone well above and beyond normal standards of customer service to ensure our items were exactly what we wanted.”

Giving back 

Giving back to the community is something she strongly believes. The store has supported more than a dozen charities and causes each year, including efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

“It’s a way our family can express our appreciation for the support received from the Greenville community over the years,” she said.

Legacy

As she reflects on her family business, she is proud that she’s been able to help carry on her parents’ legacy of providing honest service, great customer care and great value for high-quality jewelry.

“Customers still come in talking about Mom and Dad,” she said. “I mean every day. It’s something I won’t forget.”

Going out of business sale

A final, going out of business sale open to the public begins on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018,  at 10 a.m. Highlights include major markdowns on beautiful jewelry inside the 5,000-square-foot store, which has 69 showcases. An array of items from sterling silver to beautiful emeralds, diamonds and sapphires will be for sale. Some items are rare, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Skatell’s Jewelers

743 Congaree Road
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 288-2501