In 1949, William D. Clater, Sr. opened Clater Jewelers in a small corner of Otto Drugs on Southside Drive. Clater would soon become a staple for jewelry shopping in the city of Louisville.
Three locations later, they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Louisville jewelry market.
Grand Opening
On Thursday morning, Sallie Clater Baer, William's daughter, and Megan Campbell Martin, the two owners of Clater's since 1996, held a ribbon-cutting gala grand opening at their new location in the Westport Village Shopping Center.
It was a standing-room only event with plenty of customers, local business owners and a local dignitary or two in the crowd to root them on. The store also gave away $25 gift cards to the first 100 customers.
Sallie and Megan's story
Sallie and Megan have a great story behind their unique partnership. Both women began working for Mr. Clater in 1973 while in high school, and have never worked anywhere else (very cool in a time where job-hopping is fashionable!).
The two purchased Clater Jewelers from Sallie's father in 1996 when he retired. They attend several jewelry shows every year, including an annual trip to Antwerp, Belgium where 80% of the world's diamonds are cut, polished and sold.
Why Westport Village?
Westport Village is Clater's fourth move in 62 years. When asked "Why this location?", Sallie told me "The Clater Babes just got restless!" (referring to the fact that all six full time staff members, including the owners, are female!)
Westport Village is a shopping complex that has shops, restaurants and bars. I highly recommend checking it out, especially on a Friday night when they have bands playing to the outdoor crowds, and it's a real festival atmosphere.
Visit Clater Jewelers in their new home, especially now through July 10th for their Grand Opening celebration. You may just find the deal of the century, and make your better half happy!
Clater, and the Westport Village, is located off the newly expanded Westport Road between Herr Lane and Lyndon Lane, just east of I264.
image: chris whigham
