You can still find statement earrings, intricately crafted necklaces and shiny rings at The Silver Woman, a jewelry shop at 49 Union Street in Newton Centre, but not for long.
Ellen Gorowitz, owner of the venerable Union Street store, has decided to retire and will shutter the 20-year-old business by the beginning of April.
On a recent weekday morning, she reflected that “The people that were my customers were lovely.”
During the height of Covid, Gorowitz created a successful online store for The Silver Woman. However, she said “I wasn’t ready to make it my life … you really have to put a lot of work into an online business.”
Instead, she said she “preferred dealing with people one-on-one,” who came to shop in person.
Before becoming the store’s proprietor, the Arlington resident worked as an investment research analyst for 27 years. A jewelry enthusiast, Gorowitz decided to purchase The Silver Woman eight years ago because she “thought it would be fun.”
The small store, which she said was originally opened by two Newton Public School teachers, is located on a block with other independent, small businesses, including Folklorica, Karma, Betsy Jenney, and more.
Reflecting on her time as a Newton shop owner, she said she’d tell others who are eager to open their own stores in the city to advocate for themselves.
Although she had loyal customers, Gorowitz said during her years on Union Street, she felt the city could have done more to promote Newton Centre as a shopping destination.
“I don’t think the people who are running this town are paying much attention to making a lively downtown area” in Newton Centre, she said.
She said the city has taken concrete steps in support of restaurants but felt that politicians and the Charles River Regional Chamber could have done more to help other types of small businesses. Gorowitz said she felt their emphasis has been on science and tech startups, rather than reinvigorating the smaller village shopping centers.
Gorowitz, who said that the storefront has already been rented out, said she was always glad when a repeat customer would stop in and tell her they loved their purchase.
“People are very local,” she said.
To learn more about the shops on and near Union Street in Newton Centre, visit PiccadillySquare.com.
