Small Business of the Year finalist: Buchroeder’s Jewelers

Although Buchroeder’s Fine Jewelers has been around since 1896, the company is anything but vintage. Buchroeder’s has remained one of the top jewelers in the city by consistently providing jewelry that sparkles and stuns. It was recently named one of five Small Business of the Year finalists.

Founded in 1896 by Otto Buchroeder, the business originated as a general store in St. Louis but later moved to Columbia and began solely offering high-end jewelry. In 1972, Michael Menser bought the business from the Buchroeder family and in 2007 sold the company to his son Mills Menser, the current owner.

“Buchroeder’s is a staple in Columbia and is the premier shopping destination downtown, being in continual operation for 119 years,” Mills Menser says. “Only 6 percent of independent jewelry stores nationwide fall into our annual revenue category. The vast majorities of these stores have significantly more staff and operate in large metropolitan areas.”

By offering customers a luxury buying experience while maintaining wholesale prices, Mills believes Buchroeder’s has a competitive advantage and will continue to succeed.

“Few businesses operate with the same drive and intensity as our organization, nor do they have the unwavering dedication of forever improving the customer experience,” Mills says.