When Buckhannon mayor Robbie Skinner learned his town’s longtime jeweler was retiring, he didn’t just look for a replacement – he became one. After two years of jewelry school and store renovations, Skinner and his wife Lauren celebrated the grand opening of The Squire on Main on Friday, adding new sparkle to the historic downtown.
Several members of the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce joined family, friends and local residents for a ribbon-cutting celebration and reception to mark the special occasion Friday afternoon.
“We are excited to welcome the community to celebrate with us as we open The Squire on Main; it’s been a long time coming,” Skinner said.
Upon the announcement of Anderegg Jewelers closing for retirement in 2022, Skinner spoke with the store’s owner, Jake Anderegg, to learn there was a great need for a jeweler in downtown Buckhannon. Skinner, who has served as the mayor of Buckhannon since his election in 2020, realized he could carry on the jeweler’s legacy in his own way.
“Our motivation to do this was to do the right thing for our community,” Skinner said. “We wanted to keep a retail store on Main Street while having an impressive and classy open door for the community. We want to help Main Street shine and help keep it alive; this is our part of doing that.”
During two years of renovations, Skinner attended jewelry school to learn how to size rings, reset stones, change watch batteries and more unique skills to best fit the needs of local residents and their jewelry pieces.
“It wasn’t until I went to jewelry school that I really fell in love with the craft,” Skinner said.
The store’s design itself is a sight to behold. Skinner’s wife, Lauren, is a co-owner of The Squire on Main. She and close family members came together to add that special ‘something’ for customers as soon as they walk in.
The store first opened its doors on Small Business Saturday — November 30, 2024.
See the fine jewelry selection of The Squire on Main at 9 East Main Street in Buckhannon. Follow The Squire on Main on Facebook for store sales, new arrivals and more updates.
