One of Wichita’s oldest stores is celebrating a grand reopening with new owners

Powell Jewelry has had a long history in Wichita, first opening downtown in 1932.

So why is it celebrating a grand reopening this weekend?

New owners Sally and Ben Winterman want to celebrate taking over and let customers know of some changes.

They plan to keep the store in NewMarket Square, where it moved in 2004.

“We were one of the first stores out here,” Sally Winterman said.

The store is in its second NewMarket spot, which is near Cocoa Dolce in the center at 21st and Maize Road.

Sally Winterman first went to work at Powell Jewelry in 2011. She briefly left but returned as store manager in 2017.

Custom engagement rings are a big focus for the store.

“If you can draw it, we can make it,” Winterman said.

She said customers can bring photos of rings or design ideas, and she can create 3D renderings and have a wax resin ring ready to fit within days.

Winterman said the store can custom create anything.

“We have price ranges for everybody.”

She said the store also will have more of an online focus than it previously did and try to appeal to a younger demographic.

For the grand reopening, which runs through Saturday, the store will offer 30% off one piece of jewelry per customer.

There will be various discounts the entire month of May.

Winterman said there also will be a May 17th celebration for women to receive piercings, permanent jewelry and Botox.

“That’ll be a fun girls’ day thing,” she said.

“We’re trying to make it more of an experience,” Ben Winterman said of coming to the store.

He said it’s a big deal when people come in to purchase bridal sets or other sentimental pieces of jewelry.

When people visit the store, Sally Winterman said she always wants them to leave with something, even if it’s not jewelry. She’ll offer items such as cookies or key rings featuring the store’s name.

She also plans mimosas for Saturday-morning shopping.

“I am adding my own little twists.”