By Jenny Hoang
Neon
plastic signs line the sidewalk grass on the 1600 block of Broadway Street in the
Fountain District. This colorful
display gives passing people attention to a small jewelry store’s imminent
closure. Monte Falen, 67, is
closing his shop MJB Jewelers Inc. after 30 years of business. The grey house has been sold to an anonymous
investor with unknown future plans for the building.
“It’s
like losing a dear friend,” said Rhea Ramsey, resident of Bellingham and loyal
customer. She has been a customer
at the store since the doors opened in 1982.
The
official last day of retail will be Dec. 29, 2012. Customers have visited the store with flowers and gifts to congratulate
Falen on his retirement. The small
shop has been iconic in Bellingham residents’ memories.
“It
was a place where you could trust.
They wouldn’t talk you into something you didn’t like,” said Kathy
Jansen. She commutes to the shop
from Birch Bay regularly. Jansen’s
relationship with the staff began when her husband bought her a gold bracelet
from MJB Jewelers 12 years ago.
She has not taken it off since.
Falen
moved to Bellingham in 1969 to help his father’s jewelry business after graduating
from Sacramento State University with a pre-veterinarian and business degree.
“I
told him I’d only help him for a couple months,” said Falen. He immediately fell in love with
Bellingham and its natural surroundings.
Falen’s passion is sailing and Bellingham’s location and environment
fulfilled his need. He immediately
resigned his managing job at DeVons Jewelers in California and moved to
Bellingham. He hasn’t left since.
Falen’s
father, Jerry, and him rented out a space downtown at the National Bank
building on Holly Street in the early 1970s where they started as a small
repair shop.
“We
were paying so much for rent and decided to buy a house instead,” said
Falen.
The
Falens bought the small grey house on Broadway Street to convert into their
shop. Falen describes it as the
charming little house on Broadway.
Because
the building was not specifically designed for commercial use, Falen applied
for a Certificate of Non-Conforming Use, found on the City of Bellingham Website,
for the business. He named it MJB
Jewelers after the three members of the Falen family: Monte, Jerry, and his
mother Betty. The business
remained a repair shop until 15 years ago when he hired Jenny Covain to manage
and transform it into a retail store.
Covain
has grown a strong working relationship with many of the customers. Some of them, like Ramsey, will only
work exclusively with her.
“[Closing
the store] is a bit devastating because I’ve made so many friends and gotten so
close to so many people. The best
part about working here was becoming part of a couple’s life and to be part of
their relationship and history,” said Covain. She hopes to work at another jewelry shop, Jewelry Affair,
in Fairhaven as a part-time employee after the store closes.
As
the stock market drops the price of gold rises, said Falen. He describes
running the business as an extremely rewarding roller coaster ride.
“I
thoroughly enjoyed being in the jewelry business,” said Falen, “It’s not like
going to the dentist. Everyone is
happy to be here.”
Falen
is ecstatic about his imminent retirement.
“I’m
going to Hawaii,” said Falen. His
retirement plans include travel, hiking, and sailing.