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Retailers of the Year

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Rogers Jewelry,
Cheboygan
Founded 1868
Rogers Jewelry was founded by A. Louis Fexer. Current owners Joan and Gerald Rogers, who began working with his father more than 40 years ago repairing watches and clocks, expanded the inventory to include giftware and bridal registry.

Sempliner’s Bridal Salon,
Bay City
Founded 1873
Originally a general merchandise store founded by Joseph Sempliner, this is now exclusively a bridal and special-occasion store. Sempliner’s lays claim to being the oldest bridal salon in Michigan and is owned by Nancy Ignash and Diana Mieske.

Newberry News,
Newberry
Founded 1886
Founded by R.A. Jenney and Clyde Hecox in Newberry, this weekly newspaper and printer was purchased in 1899 by W. G. Fretz, and the Fretz family owned it for three generations before selling it in 1989 to the current owners, Mary Gordon and William Diem.

Johnson’s Studio & Camera
Cheboygan
Founded 1892
John R. Johnson founded this Main Street business as a photographic studio. Other products and services were added over the years. The store is still owned and operated by the Johnson family. The current owner, John K. Johnson, is the founder’s grandson.

West Branch Flour Mill,
West Branch
Founded 1892
This oldest-continuing business in Ogemaw County—“Your complete feed store since 1892”—has changed hands six times without losing a beat. Current owner Donald Jarrard continues to run the mill with original equipment.

Lokker Rutgers,
Holland
Founded 1892
What began as a general merchandise store established by Mssrs. Lokker and Rutger evolved into a men’s and boys’ clothing and shoe store. Ladies fashions were added in the early 1970s. Current owners are Jerome Kobes and his sister Lynn Kobes.

Carlson’s Jewelry & Gifts Inc.
Cadillac
Founded 1893
Since Jonas Carlson founded this store, selling sewing machines and jewelry, it has occupied the same downtown location. Robert Gebhard and his son, current owner Richard Gebhard, developed the jewelry business into what it is today.

Ina Store, Inc.,
Tustin
Founded 1897
Started as a General Store by Adelbert Kanouse, this retail business moved in 1980 to a larger facility 40 feet west and concentrated on selling tractors and farm equipment. Owner Merle Smallegan took over the business in 1991.

Weber’s Floral & Gift,
Sault Ste. Marie
Founded 1901
W.E.F. “Bill” Weber opened this Sault Ste. Marie business with a passion for the floral trade. His son Bud continued to grow the business until his retirement in 1977. Current owners Jay and Melanie Porcaro bought the business from the Webers in 1980.

DuPuis et Fils Jewelers,
Jackson
Founded 1903
The store, founded by William Bugg, has changed names and owners twice but has always sold fine jewelry and has occupied, since 1928, a beautiful neo-Egyptian style building in downtown Jackson. Current owner Philip DuPuis purchased the business in 1974.

Herter Music Center,
Bay City
Founded 1903
Herman Hardy opened Hardy Music in downtown Standish, then moved the business to Bay City in 1922. Current owner Philip Herter purchased the business in 1952 and renamed the business Herter Music Center.

Smith Floral and Greenhouse
Lansing
Founded 1903
Gurdon Smith, great uncle of current owner Charles Smith, opened his greenhouse in downtown Lansing. In 1912, he moved the greenhouse to a more open space and opened a retail floral shop, Smith’s Floral and Gift, downtown.

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