right after graduating from college
in 1984. He noted that his family’s
longtime success in the competitive
jewelry business stems from conser-
vative practices that began when his
grandfather and Clark first opened.
“The Simmons and Clark families
have always been conservative on
the operational side of the business.
We never borrowed from anyone,
except for the $5,000 loaned from
family members to open the store.”
Simmons said his father and
grandfather always looked for cre-
ative ways to market their products.
They were one of the first jewelers to
offer a credit plan to their custom-
ers: $1 down and $1 per week, mak-
ing luxury items affordable for those
who worked in the auto factories
and police department.
“In 1925, when a police officer was
killed in the line of duty, my grandfa-
ther and Harry Clark donated $100
to the Detroit Police Department’s
Widows and Orphans Fund. The
police were so appreciative they
invited my grandfather to the Police
Academy to assist cadets in buying
a pen and a watch. Many couldn’t
afford to pay cash, so Simmons and
Clark extended them credit. Most of
the early credit accounts were city of
Detroit police officers, and we still
serve many today.”
Simmons said he and his fam-
ily have always loved Downtown
Detroit and have been optimistic
about the city. Even during tough
economic times, they never con-
sidered closing the store or leav-
ing Detroit. They had expanded
to include stores in Northland,
Eastland, Macomb and Oakland
Malls, but a decision to consolidate,
along with a partnership in an elite
jewelry-buying consortium and
good vendor relationships helped
them weather the economic slow-
down and remain profitable, offer-
ing the latest designs at competitive
prices.

Now, with a renewed outlook
brought on by the store’s proximity
to Ford Field, Comerica Park and
new restaurants, Simmons said the
area has become more vibrant than
ever.
“The increased foot traffic has
created activity that’s been energiz-
ing for all store owners. The growth
we see is sustainable though we
still need more residents. Support
from people like Roger Penske, Dan
Gilbert and Mike and Marian Ilitch
has assisted in building an infra-
structure that’s allowing thousands
to move Downtown and bringing in
millions of visitors.”
The Simmons family’s philan-
thropic vision stems from the prac-
tice of giving back to the community
that has supported them. As part
of the store’s grand re-opening, a
portion of sales was donated to
community charities such as Jewish
Vocational Services, Detroit PAL,
Gleaners Community Food Bank
and Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Outside of the business, Simmons
noted he and his family have sup-
ported dozens of causes including
Israel Bonds and Jewish Federation.
His volunteerism, including serving
on the boards of JVS, the Detroit
Entertainment District Association
and the Leading Jewelers Guild, is a
result of the values instilled in him
by his father and grandfather.
And other than the legacy his
forebears have left him, what does
Simmons consider the best part
about his family’s business?
“We’re surrounded by happy
occasions and celebrations, from
birthdays and b’nai mitzvahs to
graduations, engagements and
weddings; from friendship and ‘just
because’ occasions to those that get
you out of the doghouse,” Simmons
said. “And who wouldn’t want to
be surrounded every day by these
incredibly sparkly stones and shiny
precious metals!” •

We are an in-home service provider for the elderly, ill and disabled.
We assist with personal care, home making and more up to 24 hours.

We are insured and bonded.
Call 248-262-7111 or 313-272-1222

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XXXITITTMMDPSHtITITT!BUUOFU

ANDR EW

LLOYD

WEBBER’S

The Ph a ntom R etur ns

F i sh er T h e at r e • O c t. 17 –2 9

Eunice Ring, Karen Weiss and Amanda Simmons
at the recent store celebration

Michael Silverstein and Leah Rosenbaum
of JVS, which earned a portion of sales
on the grand re-opening day

ticketmaster.com, 800-982-2787 & box office. Info: BroadwayInDetroit.com,
313-872-1000. Groups (12+): Groups@BroadwayInDetroit.com or 313-871-1132.
7:30PM Oct. 22.

jn

June 15 • 2017

49

