127-year-old jewelry chain closing forever, no bankruptcy

• The chain has been called the “Tiffany’s of the South.”

• It’s also a Tiffany’s dealer.

• The stores will be open until the inventory has been sold off.

While hundred-year-old U.S. businesses are incredibly rare, businesses that go out by their own choice might be even rarer.

Usually, time catches up with every brand. Yes, a few centenarian brands — like Levi Strauss, Wegmans, and Lowe’s — have pretty much been straight-line successes.

The vast majority, however, have faced bankruptcy and escaped death only because of the value of their brand name. Others that made the list, like Sears, exist, but they’re zombie versions of companies that were once successful.

Most businesses fail, even though consumers lean toward the familiar, giving established names an edge.

“People like consistency. Whether it’s a store or a restaurant, they want to come in and see what you are famous for,” Mickey Drexler, former CEO of the J. Crew Group said, according to The Retail Bulletin.

One of the few people to actually lead a company that has thrived for over 100 years, former Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh, shared his keys to success with Axios.

“One of the real keys to longevity is a clear set of values that people understand, the organization lives by, and consumers believe in,” he shared.

That seems simple, but the reality is that it’s nearly impossible to pull off.

“At the core of every long-lasting brand is a strong identity. Legacy brands have a deep understanding of who they are and what they stand for. Their mission, values, and personality are crystal clear, and they communicate these elements consistently across all channels,” branding expert Nika Martinov shared on her website.

That’s something Adler’s Jewelry has delivered for over 100 years.

The company, nicknamed the “Tiffany’s of the South,” has lived that dream for 127 years, spanning five generations of family owner-operators. Now the jewelry chain has decided to close its doors forever.

Very few brands make it to 100 years old without a major crisis.

• Brooks Brothers (1818): Filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2020.
  Source: CNBC

• Lord & Taylor (1826:) Filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2020, with many stores closing.
  Source: The Washington Post

• Levi Strauss & Co. (1853)

• Macy’s (1858): No bankruptcy filing, but has closed over 100 stores in recent years.
  Source: The Guardian

• Bloomingdale’s (1861): Now part of Macy’s.

• Carter’s (1865): Recently shared plans to close over 100 stores.
  Source: TheStreet

• Saks Fifth Avenue (1867): Has undergone recent financial struggles and faces a bankruptcy risk, which the company denies.
  Source: TheStreet

• Belk (1888): Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021.

• Source: PacerMonitor

• Abercrombie & Fitch: (1892) Filed for bankruptcy in 1976.

• Source: Yahoo Finance

• Sears, Roebuck & Co.: (1893) Experienced major decline and store closures. Filed bankruptcy in 2018
  Source: PacerMonitor

Adler’s Jewelry owner Coleman E. Adler II shared his decision to retire and close down his family business on Nov. 7 with WGNO.

“After much thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to retire,” Adler said. “After 62 years in the business, I’m looking forward to enjoying time off.”

The small chain is closing after five generations.

“Our whole family has deep gratitude for the loyalty, friendship and trust so many clients have shared over the decades,” Adler said. “Their support has been instrumental to our success in 127 years of serving New Orleans.”

Starting on Monday, Nov. 10, Adler’s is holding a storewide retirement sale at the French Quarter location, 722 Canal St., and the Metairie location at 2937 Veterans Blvd.

“Customers have the opportunity to shop huge discounts on all store inventory until it is all sold,” the news channel reported.

• 1898: Founded by Coleman E. Adler in New Orleans, Louisiana.

• 1902: Relocated to 810 Canal Street, a premier retail corridor.

• 1904: Crafted the Times-Picayune Loving Cup for educator Sophie B. Wright.

• 1906: Designed silver service for the USS Louisiana.

• 1909: Moved to 722-724 Canal Street, its longtime flagship location.

• 1912: Created the Louisiana Centennial coin; one resides in the Met Museum.

• 1920: Produced a silver football trophy for the Tulane-Centenary Thanksgiving game.

• 1932: Sons Milton and Walter Adler joined, renaming the business Coleman E. Adler & Sons.

• 1930s-40s: Hosted in-store art and cultural exhibits, becoming a community hub.

• 1953: Became regional dealer for Tiffany & Co.; made a gold plaque for the Louisiana Purchase Sesquicentennial presented to President Eisenhower.

• 1978: Opened first suburban store in Metairie (Jefferson Parish).

• 2012: Minted Louisiana Bicentennial coin using original 1912 press.

• 2017: Moved the Metairie store to a new site on Veterans Memorial Blvd.

• 2020s: Still family-owned, now in its fifth generation, operating flagship and suburban locations.

• 2026: Adler’s Jewelry will close after an inventory sell-off sale.
  Sources: Country Road Magazine, NewOrleans.com, New Orleans City Business

“Jefferson Parish has benefited from the Adler family’s civic and commercial work for over a century,” said JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. “Their active support of and engagement in the regional business community has had an incredible impact on our success. Additionally, the company standard for excellence and highest quality products set the bar for other companies in its industry. We are grateful for Adler’s continued investment in Jefferson Parish.”

Related: 88-year-old historic New England chain closing last restaurant

This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Nov 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.