Jeremy Ratliff
Editor
Later this month, Klug’s Country Gold owner Dale Klug will call it a career after nearly four decades in the jewelry industry. Upon his retirement, Dale will pass the reins on to his son, Eric Klug.
Dale’s jewelry career began in 1983, as store manager of Winkelman’s Country Gold located on STH 17. Klug would go on to purchase the business in 1986 and renamed the jewelry shop Klug’s Country Gold. In 1989, Dale relocated the business to the strip mall at 3436 E. Main Street. Then in 2017, Klug moved further west to the current and much more spacious 1,650 square foot location of 1018 E. Main Street, near Courtside Furniture.
Although he is retiring. Klug readily admits he will not be hanging up his jeweler title altogether.
“I still plan on being involved to some extent, as much as Eric will let me,” he jokes with a smile. “I want to help out wherever I can, whether it be filling in for employees on vacation or figuring into the weekend rotation.”
One area of store operations Dale still plans to remain steadily involved in, is that of watch repair services. As for the time freed up by retirement, Dale’s plans include spending more time bow hunting and shooting archery, and writing for two outdoors magazines which he has done for the last 20-plus years.
In looking ahead, Eric-a certified veteran goldsmith and jewelry repair technician with over 20 years of experience- indicates no plans for any wholesale changes. “I don’t really see anything I want to change at this point. There may be a few things we may do differently here and there, but nothing major. I want to see us build on the success we’ve had over the years.”
“Due to the online jewelry market, I think the future of physical storefront jewelry locations will be more service than sales oriented,” Dale adds. “And that is where Klug’s Country Gold can shine. For the last thirty years we have prided ourselves on offering virtually any service or assistance anyone could ask for, who walks through our door. Service is our specialty.”
As Dale alluded to, Klug’s Country Gold is a full service jewelry store, offering in-house goldsmithing, stone setting and watch making as well as all-inclusive jewelry repair. Klug’s also offers custom jewelry manufacturing and appraisals.
Klug’s Country Gold can be reached during regular business hours of Monday, Wednesday and Friday (9-6 p.m.), Tuesdays and Thursdays (9a.m.-5 p.m.) and Saturdays (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) at 715-536-5189.