Doubet jewelers, a Media landmark, set to close its doors
MEDIA » The news announcing the closing of the Joseph D. Doubet jewelry store hit customers and merchants with a thud. No one felt the thud more than the Doubets themselves.
“We have been informed that the owner of this property will be selling,” reads the sign in the window where cheerful displays were routinely seen.
For 25 years, Joyce and Joseph Doubet have independently operated the store on State Street, just across from the former armory, now Trader Joe’s. Several days after being informed of the property’s sale, the Doubet family was still reeling with the reality of closing for which they say they were offered no options of staying.
Although they have framed it as a “retirement” sale, the situation does not reflect the usual sense of planning everything from disposition of merchandise, store fixtures and equipment, and greeting customers a last time. One aspect was clear, however – the Doubets wanted their departure to be positive and classy. That was fitting for a store that represented the visual charm of stately cabinetry and goods, as well as the courteous and caring customer service that is otherwise quickly declining in retail business.
As the staff remained busy with customers and a range of other necessary closing tasks, Joyce took time for an interview and the chance to reflect on what has happened both personally and as a business person. She was polite in getting past the “circumstances beyond our control” and the whirlwind of difficult activities, and she was gracious in providing those positive and classy comments.
“The town has been very good to us. The reaction of everyone to our closing has been shock and disappointment, but also to the changes taking place in Media. Retail is challenging,” Joyce said, noting their store was among the last of the “old guard.”
“The way people shop now is affecting everybody,” she said. That current retail climate is counter to how Doubet’s approached business.
“We developed relationships,” Joyce said. “You get to know the customers’ style, what they like. And they get to know us.
“We treated all of our customers the same, whether they were buying a watch battery or a bigger item,” she said with appreciation for the town’s diversity.
“We’ve always been fortunate with employees,” Joyce said, almost humorously, considering much of staff is family. In addition to Joyce and Joe, their daughter Cindy has been in the store from the start, and added help over the years came from daughters Jennifer and Lisa. The family ties were further evident with Karl Johnson, Joyce’s nephew. Karl and Joe were the expert jewelers as well as sales staff. Added to the regulars was Dick Jones, a lifetime friend, who was indispensable as the “runner” back and forth into Philadelphia to convey work not done on premises.
Being Media, word spread quickly and business has been brisk, largely due to a fairly consistent 50 percent off policy. The staff felt it did not have the time or inclination to start smaller and work up to half price.
When it came to the store items other than jewelry and fine quality gifts, the Doubets benefited from friends.
“It has happened quickly, and we were trying to make use of what was here and find places with a need. We were fortunate to have people come to us with ideas, and many even directly made the contacts for us,” said Joyce. In particular, the more than
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“The reaction of everyone to our closing has been shock and disappointment, but also to the changes taking place in Media. Retail is challenging,”
— Joyce Doubet on the closing of the Joseph D. Doubet jewelry store