CLEARFIELD- In a world where family-owned businesses are closing—losing customers to big-name stores and online shopping—Zalno Jewelers in downtown Clearfield has always been a cut above the rest.
It’s a place where you first walk through the door as a customer, but leave as a friend. A place where the connection is personal, the welcome is warm, and every visit feels like coming home.
Jim and Ron Zalno, the two brothers who have run the store since their father’s passing in 1997, have announced they are ready to retire. And for the community they’ve served for generations, the news has sparked many emotions.
Originally O’Brien’s Jewelry Store, Joe Zalno purchased the business in 1960 from Flora O’Brien. Eight years later, Joe partnered with Joe Ricotta to open another jewelry store in Philipsburg—now known as Ricotta’s Jewelry.
Joe and his wife, Suzanna, raised eight children, all of whom grew up helping in the shop. “We were always a close family. When we got together, everyone was there,” said Jim.
Jim joined the business in 1973, followed by Ron in 1978. When their father passed away in 1997, the brothers continued their father’s legacy, building a successful business that would flourish for years to come.
Working with family isn’t always easy, but Jim says they were an exception. “A national statistic says siblings never get along that well where a business lasts as long as we have,” Jim said. Their success, he explained, came from respecting their father as their boss and focusing on what mattered most: the customers.
For three generations, Zalno’s has been a part of life’s most precious moments—engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and even birthdays. But more than that, they built friendships.
“Our customers became more of a friendship than a customer relationship,” Jim said. “Just yesterday, someone came in and said, ‘It’s going to be hard. I’ve been coming here ever since your dad owned the store.’ I had known him since he was a kid.”
The community feels the same. People have traveled from out of state for the one-of-a-kind service they found at Zalno’s. Since announcing their retirement, the brothers have been busier than ever. Some customers have even cried at the news. “They don’t know what they’re going to do once we’re gone,” Jim said.
Unlike many business owners who remain behind the scenes, Jim and Ron were always front and center—answering phones, doing repairs, greeting customers by name. Ron worked as a watchmaker for years, at one point crafting more than 100 watches a week. But as technology changed and watches became less common, the brothers adapted, just as they always have.
Over the decades, many trends have come and gone—class rings, once one of their biggest sellers, is no longer an interest. At one point, the store became one of the top 50 jewelry stores in the U.S. to produce class rings- selling between 350-600 a week. Men’s wedding bands shifted from classic gold to alternative metals. But no matter how much the jewelry world changed, Zalno’s adapted while never losing their personal touch.
Zalno’s has always been a large supporter of the local community, and they are always ready to donate to fundraisers and community events. When Ron learned from the local police chief that officers lacked proper gloves to protect them from needle jabs, the brothers stepped in without hesitation and purchased them.
Their employees—many of whom stayed for years—became family too. “The relationships we’ve formed with our employees are unreal,” Jim said. Anyone who left did so only because life took them elsewhere.
Their sister Cathy, who is currently helping in the shop, remembers growing up surrounded by the business. “It’s a real sense of family,” she said. Savannah, an employee of eight years, added, “They have really become family.”
Lisa, Ron’s wife, tearfully rejoiced, “This business has supported three generations of families.”
Even during difficult economic times, the business remained strong. The only year that truly challenged them was during Covid, but the following year saw record-breaking sales.
In the end, their greatest success wasn’t in the jewelry they sold—it was in the lives they touched. Local community members came forward with memories and words of gratitude.
James Kolbe, a loyal customer describes his experience with Zalnos. “It’s a personal experience every time you would go inside their store. They are always in a good mood and treat you as if you are family. Ron and Jim are two of the nicest people you could ever know and always treat people with respect.”
“Jim and Ron welcome you into the store like it’s a family reunion”, said Carla Kephart.
Fayeanna Teats, who worked in the shop during her college years, shared her experience of working with Ron and Jim. “What you saw in the public was real. They loved their customers. Your problems were their problems. They would talk about the good things happening in your life with a smile on their face! They would try to advise you if they thought they could help. Their customers were family.”
“Ron’s personality is unmatched. He is kind, hilarious, and passionate about what he does. They give so much to this community. They go above and beyond for their loyal customers,” said Krystina Sipes.
“It’s been a real pleasure with everybody we’ve dealt with,” Jim said, emotion in his voice. “We have had a lot of great times. It has been a great life. It has been a great career. I hate to leave, I really do.”
Jim and Ron’s retirement will leave a void that cannot be filled, but their legacy lives on in the community they helped shape and the countless memories they leave behind.
They plan to close on Christmas Eve, but will remain open through January for any repairs or exchanges.
