Long-time Sparks Street jewellery store to close

Sparks Street jewellery store closing Alyea's Jewellers is closing its doors after more than six decades in business. CTV’s Tyler Fleming reports.

Alyea's Jewellers will be closing its doors after 62 years in business.

A statement by the company on Thursday announced the owners of the Sparks Street landmark will be retiring after the lease expires in the next few weeks.

Alyea's owners, Hermann and Anne Wallner, have built a proud reputation – running the important destination for jewellery enthusiasts for over five decades.

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve the community and share in their special occasions. When people shop for jewellery, they are shopping for engagements, anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions, generally their happiest times," Anne said.

“It was a tough decision, but it is time for the next chapter," Hermann added.

"Retirement is the sort of thing that has been around the corner for several years,” Anne Wallner told CTV News Ottawa on Thursday. "We found that the long-term lease wasn’t fitting us at our age and decided the end of this lease this is time. Everything has happened very quickly and I think both Hermann and I are happy. It’s a little bitter sweet but we’re happy."

Wallner says someone may come into the store three or four times in their lifetime, but "we're their jeweller."

"Each person is special and we love helping people out. It’s been a long journey but it’s been a happy one," Wallner says. "We have clients all across the country from Iqaluit to Victoria to St. John's you know everywhere."

Alyea's Jewellers has a long history in Ontario, with the original store opening in Trenton, Ont. in 1939. The current location on the Sparks Street Mall opened in 1961.

Alyea's Jewellers will begin their "massive retirement and store-closing sale" on Nov. 2.

“We have marked everything down to clear, and look forward to seeing our many customers and friends before we close," Anne said.

With files from CTV News Ottawa's Tyler Fleming