The story of big chain stores buying up hometown shops is all too common. For one Xenia business, however, the situation worked the other way around. Rogers Jewelers was a staple at 76 Xenia Town Square for more than 35 years. When the store suddenly closed its doors in 2009, Stephanie and Ed Beyer, owners of Beyer Jewelers in Springfield, saw an opportunity they could not pass up.

Goldsmith and designer Stephanie Beyer has worked for several area jewelers over the last 19 years, including Rogers. As residents of Beavercreek, she and her husband have waited for the right time to establish a second location closer to home. When Rogers moved out they left behind an ideal location, complete with all the trappings.

According to Ed Beyer, taking over the Rogers location was like getting a free business set up for them. "When Rogers closed, they left the building and all of the fixtures including the display cases and the safe," he said.

Beyer Jewelers offers a wide range of jewelry from gold necklaces to diamond engagement rings. All repairs and custom designs are done in-house, with the exception of watches. "With Stephanie having the capability to do just about anything, it's a quality job that you get back," noted Clark. "Repairs are done in a timely manner, usually back within two days."

There are some people who may wince at the idea of opening such a high-end business in the current economy. Will customers be willing to spend money on things like jewelry in the current fiscal climate? The staff at Beyer is convinced that this was the right choice at the right time.