Photo by David Cruz
One of Norwood’s crown jewels is slated to close after 76 years.
Freilich Jewelers, a business fixture in the neighborhood and one of the Bronx’s oldest jewelry shops, is expected to remain open until Dec. 24.
For Allan Freilich, who’s owned the East 204th Street store for decades after inheriting it from his father Norman, the decision to close did not come lightly. Retirement age certainly weighed into the decision. So has been the question on whether to renew his lease. Though he professes no belief in superstition, he made an exception this time around.
“This is a message being sent that it’s time to move on. It’s bittersweet,” said Freilich, 63, a bulky, bespectacled jeweler with 45 years handcrafting and repairing an assortment of watches, gold and silver rings, earrings, and bracelets.
Freilich, formerly the president of the East 204th Street & Bainbridge Avenue Merchants Association, has so far allowed news of the closure to trickle out, informing loyal customers of his impending departure. They’ve in turn expressed sadness over the neighborhood’s loss.
Freilich Jewelers arrived to the neighborhood in 1970, during the days when Chase Bank was the Italian Village, T-Mobile was James Shoe Shop and a hardware store was Bucks Army and Navy. The store opened in the Soundview section of the Bronx in 1939, later moving up to Norwood. In 2000, Freilich moved from his original location on East 204th Street to across the street, deciding to stay in Norwood.
Freilich, who initially had aspirations to be a musician, began working at the store part-time, until gradually transitioning to full time. His father, a master watchman, taught him how to repair watches.
He eventually inherited the store, which boasts a design lab complete with a laser welder, polishing room and plate room. He’s attracted a faithful brand of customers, and even employees over the years. Among them is Millie Clavell, Freilich’s right-hand manager, since “forever,” as she put it.
“He can walk up and down the strip, and people will know that is The Jeweler,” said Clavell, noting Freilich’s customers remain so even after moving out of Norwood.
“Those that moved from Ireland and they’re visiting here they come bring their jewelry to get repaired,” said Clavell. “They’ll come and say, ‘I’m coming back home. I bought this. Can you put it in your Freilich Jewelers bag so my family will know that it came from here?'”
But Freilich emphasized that he’s not leaving the business, just entering a kind of semi-retirement. He plans on focusing more on his skills as a custom jewelry designer, promising to provide personalized service. He plans to keep his store’s telephone number, which will be forwarded to his personal phone should customers ask for his services.
The big push to close the store will begin Oct. 1 with a massive sale that’ll last through Dec. 24. Customers can expect to see 50 to 70 percent in marked down prices. “It all must go,” said Clavell.
But the closure has allowed Freilich to reflect on things that mattered the most to him, primarily the customers. Speaking to the Norwood News, Freilich stood immensely humbled in seeing a loyal brand of customers come into his store daily.
“We are grateful to all of our clients, past and present, for making this business successful,” said Freilich. “Without them, we wouldn’t be anywhere.”
Editor’s Note: Freilich Jewelers is located at 312 E. 204th St. It’s store number (718) 798-1063.
admin
Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.
English
Arabic
Bengali
Chinese (Simplified)
French
Spanish
Frelich Jewelers and its staff will be sorely missed in the neighborhood. Great jeweler, teacher and especially great friend.
Thank You Nilsa, yes we will miss all of our clients some that have become friends like you. Hope to see you before we close.
Remember back in the seventies you had a green MGB as I did too, a 1968 yellow MGB. Wish I still had it. Always bought jewelry from your store. I’ve kept your number, will try to see you before you close. Best of luck.
Yes I did. Hopefully we can see you and many others as well.
Wow…Freilich Jewelers is a big part of my past. I worked with both Allan and his father Norman both of whom I’m fond of. Ive also had the privilege to know Allans mother, Sylvia. My mother and I had always bought magnificent pieces of jewelry over the many years – can you say lay-a-way! When my mom passed I stopped by to tell Allan, he remembered her ♡ I’m sure she haggled over prices with him! I also remember working a lovely lady named Ann and then Alise came years later. Allan – good bye and good luck! Mazeltov on your retirement ♡!!!
I will try to stop by for a good sale & haggle!
All the best,
Margaret
Wow, truly the end of an era for all those who grew up in Norwood!
Back in the early 70’s, one of the rights of passage reaching “dating age” was to get the girl you where going “steady with” an ankle bracelet. Norman had the best of the best when it came time to purchase one for that special girl. The standard offering was the double heart, silver or gold. Must have options were wings, a tiny stone of your choice between the hearts, name engraving,and of course various chain extensions so she could wear the piece around her neck, as was the fashion in the 70’s. As my old friend David mentioned, Norman had a lay away plan. If your selection was a tad north of your budget (as mine was early on due to a newspaper boy salary), he made sure you got what you wanted!
wishing Allen, his family & Freilich Associates Health & Happiness!
It is sad to see them go, for so many years if I had to purchase jewelry the only place I would go is here, friendly staff and very nice unique jewelry… good luck to all of you..
This was our go to place no matter what side of the street it was on.
First Communion jewelry, birthstone ring, engagement ring, which to this day people still comment on its uniqueness! and of course our wedding bands.
(Oh and I had one of those ankle bracelets that a previous commenter mentioned!)
What wonderful memories.
Good luck!