left to right: Christian Hallstead, Paul Reiniger, Kerry Bowman, Lisa Bevill, Grace Schwarte. Not pictured is Kim Henderson.
GODFREY, IL – The RiverBend Growth Association has selected the Alton location of the 107-year-old Reiniger Jewelers as its April 2025 Small Business of the Month award recipient.
Reiniger acquired its Alton location, the former Maneke Jewelers, three years ago, located at 1633 Washington Avenue. Throughout the five locations now owned by the company, Reiniger Jewelers carries on not only the Alton store’s former owner’s traditions and values, but his own family’s closely held ones as well.
“Owner Paul Reiniger is a third-generation jeweler,” notes Store Manager Kerry Bowman. “The tradition began with Paul’s grandfather in East St. Louis in 1918.” Reiniger followed in his grandfather and father’s footsteps as a jeweler, also furthering his education by graduating from Gem City College and earning certificates from the Gemological Institutes of America.
Yet another tradition carried out across the generations: Commitment. “We are committed to our customers, our community, and our team,” says Bowman, “and we are proud to serve our community.”
“Year after year, we continue the Maneke tradition of selling beautiful items and donating the proceeds to the Community Hope Center,” Bowman adds. “We are honored to help the community in any way we can.”
And as a result, the community has confirmed this visible commitment by voting Reiniger Jewelers as “Best of the Best” three years in a row now. Bowman also acknowledges that they are grateful for the continued support from the community, and for the support from the RiverBend Growth Association.
Today, there are four Reiniger Jewelers stores in Illinois (Alton, Swansea, Waterloo, and Effingham) and one in Ballwin, Mo.
Bowman says that Reiniger Jewelers enjoys “an incredible staff that is instrumental in creating great customer service every day.” There are currently 19 employees within the five locations. Most of their employees have been with them since they opened.
In addition to what one might expect from their local jewelry store, Reiniger Jewelers also offers repair and watch services that are not available elsewhere locally. Because of this, employees complete continued and comprehensive training in jewelry and watches, as the company holds itself and its employees accountable to its renowned reputation for high standards and as experts in their field.
“We strive to provide quality products, consistently delivering expert workmanship and creative custom design to celebrate special moments, one piece of jewelry at a time,” Bowman says further.
Its Alton location, acquired in 2022, has provided both opportunities for Reiniger Jewelers and challenges. “There have been a few local issues with our current location,” notes Bowman. “But that’s about to change.”
“We have been thriving despite the issues, and we want to continue our quest to be known as the community’s local jeweler. To that end, we are moving to a bigger and better location in Alton in the next few months,” Bowman shares further.
Reiniger Jewelers plans to move from its current Washington Avenue location to its new store site next to Petco in the Alton Corners retail plaza in late June or early July.
For more information about Reiniger Jewelers, visit online at https://www.reinigerjewelers.com/ or follow them on Facebook. You can also reach the Alton store at (618) 465-1410, or just stop in. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. They are closed on Sundays.
The RiverBend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities known as the Riverbend. For more information about the Growth Association, visit www.growthassociation.com or call (618) 467-2280.
RBGA’s Small Business of the Month Committee recognizes a different member business each month for its outstanding efforts and leadership in the community. Committee members include Brenda Eardley, Vicki Hake, Vickie Hopkins, Amy Roady, Martha Schultz, Erin Spain, and Alexis Weller.
To learn more about membership in the RiverBend Growth Association and the Small Business of the Month recognition, visit the RBGA website or call their Godfrey office.