Bill and Lynn Biederman have seen at least three generations pass through their doors since opening 40 years ago.
“Quality merchandise is important to the jewelry business, but customer service is the key to success”, said Lynn Biederman of Biederman Jewelers in downtown Sparta. “We consider our loyal customers as our extended family.”
They've sold diamond engagement rings to couples whose children return two decades later to purchase their prized lifetime jewelry for themselves. Each customer has a story of why they are shopping for a particular gift or piece of jewelry.
“We have witnessed two proposals in the store as young couples pick out rings to begin their lives together,” Bill Biederman said.
Bill Biederman began his jewelry career almost 50 years ago, becoming a master watchmaker. He began his career at Mark Jewelers in La Crosse and then set out on his own, by opening Biederman Jewelers next to the Music Shop in downtown Sparta. In 1985, he made the move to their current location at 109 S. Water Street.
Back in the 1980’s Sparta’s downtown was the central business district in the area.
“Downtown was a big deal,” Bill Biederman said.
Downtown Sparta has seen a lot of change over the years, but Biederman Jewelers continues to thrive as a busy staple of the community. Dedicated customers stop by daily to look at the beautiful window displays, to repair jewelry, to get a new watch battery, or to just say hello. The Biederman’s said they are very fortunate to have four knowledgeable staff member, Jody, Shelley, Marilyn and Jessi, who are there to assist customers with any of their jewelry, watch or gift ware needs.
In line with changing tastes, today, the merchandise line has expanded from jewelry and watches to a wide variety of giftware. Lynn Biederman is always on the hunt for unique and quality products and gift ideas. She scours the country for unique products, primarily American made. Many of the vendors featured in store are from Wisconsin. Their inventory carries a wide variety of items including a line of turquoise jewelry from the Southwest.
Biederman Jewelers is especially particular about the quality of jewelry offered within their store. The jewelry in store is always designed and manufactured with the highest standards in the industry. Designers like Allison-Kaufman Company, Denali, Rego, Parle' & Kit Heath are featured. There are also custom-made jewelry pieces created by Bill and Lynn who are both bench jewelers, so repairs are done in store. Ring sizing, retipping, soldering and restoration work are just some of the services offered.
As a part of the Sparta family, Biederman Jewelers continues to be involved in community-based events. In the past 40 years, Biederman’s has regularly donated money and gifts to many local organizations in and around the Sparta area such as the Boy and Girl Scouts, Cancer Walks, Sparta Sports Groups, Sparta Rod & Gun Club, the Monroe County Turkey Banquet, Ducks Unlimited, St. Pats Church, Lady Butterfest, the Monroe County Animal Shelter, and various others. In their contributions, they continue to make monetary donations to ensure the entire donation goes to support organizations such as Sparta High School sports, high school music and drama clubs and DECA.
From their centrally based storefront they have seen lots of changes downtown. Businesses have come and gone but in the past years, there has been a resurgence in small town and hometown businesses and activities. The Kriskindlmarkt and downtown festivals have attached more residents and people from across the region to Sparta. During the business trick-or-treating Halloween celebration, over 700 kids passed through their doors.
The Biederman's said they have been proud to serve Sparta and the surrounding area for 40 years. They said they are extremely grateful for the support of the community over the years and are looking forward to serving the area for many years to come.
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