After serving Owensboro for nearly nine decades, M&M Jewelers has closed its doors. Oscar and Marie Grant opened the jewelry store downtown in 1937 before passing the torch to their son Craig.
Most community members likely remember the store operating at the corner of 2nd and Allen streets, where it held down the intersection for 50 years. With sidewalks widening and parking shrinking, Craig Grant elected to sell the building and move operations to KY 54.
“We’ve done well,” Grant said. “We appreciate the many years of patronage. I know I’ll miss it, but at least I have my memories.”
Grant cited the Covid-19 pandemic, a weakening economy, and reduced traffic as the primary reasons for closing. He said inventory has been relatively low since Christmas, and they plan to sell what’s left.
“It’s been a good run, and the community has been great to us,” he said. “I can’t express how much we appreciate the support over the years. It was just time.”
The store began as Grant’s Jewelers before selling to Kay Jewelers. Marie had simultaneously opened Hollywood Jewelers, later changing the name to M&M.
Grant said they arrived at “M&M” because nearly every employee’s name at Hollywood started with an “M.” He said folks would often call the store and say, “Which ‘M’ is this?”
