“One of the best things about being in this location for 70 years is that we’ve had the opportunity to work with families for multiple generations,” said Mark Binkley, owner of Cooper & Binkley Jewelers in downtown Brighton. “We have customers who give gifts to their children, those children come back for their engagement rings and then again to celebrate the birth of their own children. Over the years, these customers have become a part of our family.”
The family affair has been going on for seven decades. The popular jewelry store was opened as Cooper’s Jewelry by Marshall Cooper in 1949; it was purchased by Keith Binkley in 1971. When he retired, he sold the business and building to his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Barb Binkley, who have operated the store together ever since. In 2000, they took down the original building and built the new, expanded store that stands today.
The secret to their success?
“We wouldn’t be who we are without our incredible staff, our wonderful customers, and our vendors who truly partner with us for every occasion,” Barb Binkley said. “This community has been so good to us. We are all in this together and we have to look out for each other. We are determined to be good stewards of this community. Mark and I serve on civic and non-profit boards and committees, we raise awareness for local groups and events by promoting them in our store, and we have a never-say-no policy when it comes to donating jewelry to charitable causes. We truly believe in our community; it’s our home and it’s important for us to give back.”
The 70 Years Celebration began in June with 70 random acts of kindness in the community, during which Mark and Barb visited nine local establishments, surprising seven customers with gifts of jewelry at each location.
Jennifer Yanchula, Cooper & Binkley’s new public relations and marketing manager, said she’s been amazed by the family atmosphere and the customer loyalty she has seen during her first few months on the job.
“I’ve been impressed by the relationships and warmth that I’ve witnessed between staff and customers,” Yanchula said. “I can see why Cooper & Binkley Jewelers has been awarded best jeweler in Livingston County 19 years in a row. I participated in the 70 random acts of kindness in the community, and I think Mark and Barb are as excited as the people receiving the jewelry! To date, we have given away $15,000 in jewelry, with the tenth and final giveaway happening during the party on Saturday.”
Cooper & Binkley Jewelers, serving the community since 1949, is located at 105 W. Main St. in downtown Brighton.
Check out the store’s website by clicking here.
Follow Cooper & Binkley Jewelers on Facebook.
Be the first to comment