Holtzmans to open one of country's largest watch/jewelry stores in Chicago

Sep. 11—WILKES-BARRE — In some way, Mrs. Lincoln would be proud of what's become of the store she shopped in back in the early 1800s.

And the Wyoming Valley can also be proud and happy that the very store Abraham Lincoln's wife patronized is now owned by Wyoming Valley native Seymour Holtzman and his son, Steven.

Chicago's oldest business, and the city's first jeweler, is returning to its family-inspired foundation, restoring peacock pride and honoring hometown roots by transferring leadership responsibilities from patriarch Seymour Holtzman to son, Steven Holtzman, as the new vice chairman.

C.D. Peacock recently announced the months-long succession plan for Steven and his wife, Qi, to assume leadership, effective this month.

Steven and Qi have relocated from Switzerland to Chicago as the company enters its 185th anniversary year and announced plans for one of the largest watch and jewelry stores of its kind in the flagship location planned for the Oakbrook Center. It is scheduled to open in June 2023.

A global industry veteran, Steven Holtzman's expertise spans three decades in the Swiss luxury watch market, working with the most prestigious retailers in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

"Chicagoans can expect to see C.D. Peacock fanning its vibrant feathers in new places, with unique concepts and strong luxury brand partnerships to serve future generations," Holtzman said. "We've been our great city's leading jeweler since 1837. Qi and I are honored to be overseeing one of the most exciting times in our company's history."

The Holtzmans plan to incorporate global luxury concepts to influence one of the first-of-its-kind, 20,500 square-foot indoor/outdoor spaces. Holtzman said the flagship "mansion" will include a bar, lounge, VIP rooms and a museum to make C.D. Peacock one of the largest jewelry and watch experiences in the U.S.

"We are Chicago," Holtzman said. "The House of Peacock was the first registered business in Illinois in 1837. We are proud of our heritage and continue to invest in the region. By significantly boosting the retail sector with another 'first,' C.D. Peacock continues to exceed consumer demands for exceptional quality, impeccable service, and an elevated shopping experience."

The Lincoln connection

Seymour Holtzman has met many dignitaries over the years. He and his wife, Evie, were close to President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, among others.

Seymour talked about three letters he has obtained that were written by President Abraham Lincoln.

Couple those with the legend that Mrs. Lincoln was a customer of C.D. Peacock and you can hear the pride in Holtzman's voice as he talks about the company that he purchased in 1991.

"It has always been a great jewelry story — the greatest in the country," he said. "And now we are building the very best and largest watch and jewelry store in the country."

Steven Holtzman adds, "The investment in our flagship mansion at Oakbrook Center — where 20 million visitors annually spend over 1 billion dollars — is a natural choice as consumer lifestyles and spending shift to the suburbs. Open space, eclectic restaurant offerings and ample free parking combine to provide the perfect backdrop for our new location, which will redefine the way consumers shop for luxury."

Steven Holtzman said C.D. Peacock is a "legacy store," having started in Chicago in the same year, 1837, as Tiffany's opened in New York City.

Holtzman, 61, said his father made the right decision in purchasing the company.

"He's a genius," Holtzman said of his dad. "He's built so many businesses, we need to keep track of them all. As Vice Chairman, I'm proud to work with my dad, who is the Chairman of the company."

Steven Holtzman was recently quoted extensively in a New York Times story on the state of the luxury watch business and the jewelry industry.

"It's great when they call me as a source," he said. "And it's great for business too."

Holtzman said the new Chicago store will be "a complete experience store," where customers will find all their jewelry and watch needs, along with a bar with a piano player, an "experience room," a "proposal room," and a playroom for children.

"It will be like the Disneyland of watch and jewelry stores," he said.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.