J.E. Caldwell and Bailey, Banks & Biddle closing

**Jayfar** · 12-30-2009, 07:17 PM

I don't think I was previously aware that both Bailey, Banks & Biddle and J. E. Caldwell ended up in the hands of the same corporation, but at any rate they'll all be closed very shortly.

Carlyle & Co. jewelers shutting doors after 87 years

By Fran Daniel | Journal Reporter

Published: October 17, 2009

Going-out-of-business sales are under way at Carlyle & Co. jewelry stores in the Triad.

The high-end jewelry company, based in Greensboro, is one of several retailers of fine jewelry that owner Finlay Enterprises Inc. in New York is closing around the country. The other jewelers are Bailey Banks & Biddle, Congress Jewelers, J.E. Caldwell, Park Promenade and Zell Bros.

More detail:

Finlay falls, leading its brands into liquidation

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Apparently a liquidator acquired all of the stores at a bankruptcy auction in September.

Finlay Enterprises, Inc. - Investor Relations - Press Release

**phillyaggie** · 12-30-2009, 07:35 PM

Didn't Bailey Banks and Biddle start off as a Philly-based store and then a chain?

I wonder whether there really is a firesale with lots of really good bargains... never bought any jewelry before so I wouldn't know whether I was getting a bargain or not.

**Jayfar** · 12-30-2009, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by phillyaggie

Didn't Bailey Banks and Biddle start off as a Philly-based store and then a chain?

Yes.

Bailey Banks & Biddle

"The Bailey Banks & Biddle story begins on September 10, 1832. On that day, Joseph Trowbridge Bailey and his original partner, Andrew Kitchen, opened our first Store on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. "

**phillyaggie** · 12-30-2009, 07:50 PM

wow! wonder whether the name will still survive, just under a new ownership. that's pretty dang old lineage as far as New World business history is concerned.

**Jaysmom** · 01-01-2010, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by phillyaggie

Didn't Bailey Banks and Biddle start off as a Philly-based store and then a chain?

I wonder whether there really is a firesale with lots of really good bargains... never bought any jewelry before so I wouldn't know whether I was getting a bargain or not.

Yes, they had good deals. A friend was getting a wedding band and saw one at another store for $2300 and didn't want to spend that much on the band but she found it at B,B & B for $600 - SOLD

**lbphilly** · 01-05-2010, 11:06 PM

This makes me very sad. I used to love to shop in their store. They'd let me bring my bike inside and once egged me on to get on it and ride out -- someone held the door for me. My engagement, wedding, and anniversary bands are all from Bailey Banks & Biddle.

**eldondre** · 01-05-2010, 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by phillyaggie

wow! wonder whether the name will still survive, just under a new ownership. that's pretty dang old lineage as far as New World business history is concerned.

it was nicholas biddle that mismanaged the second national bank. Philadelphia was infamous for its infatuation with lineage. still sad, I guess. I found much better deals on jeweler's row when I was looking than the "big names." wasn't caldwell where fogo is?