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McHENRY – Since 1946, Steffan’s Jewelers has been a McHenry staple, offering fine jewelry for any occasion. From the original owners, Harold and Theresa Steffan, to the now third generation jeweler and current owner, Suzanne Cannon, Steffan’s has been home to customers looking for that something special.
Cannon has worked at her family’s jewelry store since grade school, cleaning the store, selling jewelry, repairing Timex watches, changing watch batteries. She received her Gemology Degree and in 1992, she took over the business from her mother, Marie, after she passed. As Cannon approaches the eve of her own retirement, she is very adamant about one thing in particular.
“Steffan’s Jewelers is here to stay,” said Cannon. “People think we’re closing because I decided to liquidate my inventory, but that is just not the case. I am more than thrilled that the store will go on to its 4th generation. We’re not leaving. We’re not closing. We’re moving forward and we’ll continue the tradition of being the trusted jeweler in McHenry.”
From engagement rings, to baby shower gifts, to birthdays and anniversaries, the art of buying fine jewelry for special occasions is a tradition that seems to stand the test of time.
“The tradition of buying fine jewelry as gifts to stay as family heirlooms has never changed,” Cannon said. “For a time, when the Internet came into everyone’s life, a lot of people were buying online, but once again, people, millennials especially, want that relationship. There was a period there where people didn’t seem to care, but now they want someone they can trust. They want to look and hold things in their hands. They become customers for life. They do their research and education online, but they want to come in and buy the diamond or the pearls or the earrings from us.”
Steffan’s is not only able to offer a great selection and the best in quality, but also high-caliber customer service.
“What we do here is so different. It’s truly caring about your customer,” Cannon said. “We’ve pretty well been turning customers into friends since 1946. We go to our customer’s weddings, we get them baby gifts, we go to their holiday parties. They’re our friends. You build long-term relationships on solid foundations and the family tradition and friendships continue. We’ve seen 4 generations of families come in here because we have that relationship and they trust us.”
Loyal customers since 1985, Ken and Christine Caldwell of McHenry first went to Steffan’s in search of a watch battery.
“I got a watch battery and I walked out of there feeling like I bought a diamond ring,” said Ken Caldwell. “Everyone was so warm and inviting and helpful. They made us feel like friends instead of customers. They go far beyond the standard type of help and are always trying to make it something special.”
“If they don’t have it, they’ll create it for you,” added Christine.
The Caldwells now have four generations of family members that are Steffan’s customers and trust that when Suzanne moves on, the spirit and reputation of the Steffan’s name will not leave with her.
“We hope, and I’m fairly certain, that things will be the same as they’ve been in the past.” Ken said. “They will have the same kind of care. Between the family and staff, it is not something that will just go away, they wouldn’t let it. They find people to assist in the store that always have the right attitude and are always so kind and helpful. I have never been anywhere over these 35 years where the feeling is so consistent. We’ll continue to be loyal customers for as long as we choose to still live in Illinois.”
Cannon’s secret behind her amazing staff is that she doesn’t look for jewelry knowledge, she looks for personality.
“I have an amazing staff. I don’t hire knowledge. I hire personality, values and integrity,” Cannon said. “The people that work here love our customers. They’re not trying to sell high ticket items to put commission in their pockets. They’ve made friends with our customers. I hear people tell me all the time how great they are and how they make it a really great experience. They’re the best.”
Cannon said the store will also continue to be a strong member of the business community and will continue to honor their responsibility of giving back, supporting the community, and spreading awareness, with fundraising efforts and donations to local organizations like Pioneer Center.
Steffan’s Jewelers is holding a liquidation sale through Dec. 28. The store will then close for a brief time, from Dec. 29 through Jan. 3. Upon reopening, Cannon will stay on until the financials are situated and the store transition is complete, most likely by mid-February. Cannon wants customers to rest assured, the business will remain in the family, and will continue to be a community business stronghold in McHenry, for generations to come.
“My hope is that the store stays strong with the same wonderful customers that we’ve been blessed with all of these years and that the 4th generation gets to enjoy the deep relationships that I’ve been able to enjoy. The friendships and relationships are the true profit of my work. We are involved in the love business, whether people are getting engaged, or inherited grandma’s ring and need it refurbished or reset, it’s like no other. Every single piece of jewelry has a story. The lessons I’ve learned from customers hearing their life story are priceless. We’ve cried happy tears for people and sad tears for people. It’s my customers, my family, that I will miss the most.”