How does a single store in Omaha, Nebraska, become one of the largest jewelry stores in the nation? By never forgetting our history.
It began more than a century ago, when Louis Borsheim opened a jewelry store in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. In 1948, Louis Friedman bought the business and operated it with his son Ike. While Louis and Ike Friedman kept the Borsheims name, they ushered in a new era of success for the jewelry store.
Ike, a dynamic businessman, developed the business philosophy that still guides the company today - offer an extensive inventory and exceptional customer service at the lowest possible price.
It was an approach that worked, leading Borsheims to outgrow its downtown facility and move to the anchor position in Regency Court mall in 1986. In 1989, renowned investor Warren Buffett purchased a majority of Borsheims stock, making it part of his famous holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
Borsheims continues to grow today under the leadership of President and CEO Susan Jacques. Asked to run Borsheims by Mr. Buffett in 1994, Jacques has led Borsheims through a major renovation and unprecedented growth. Borsheims' single store location in Omaha is now more than 62,500 square feet, including a large watch department, gift gallery, full-service jewelry repair and design shop and private showing areas for shoppers wishing to escape the public eye. The store houses more than 100,000 pieces of jewelry, watches and fine gifts and serves an international clientele spanning 50 states and six continents.
With our growth and age, Borsheims relies on old and new ways to reach its customers. Whether through catalogs or Facebook, shopping in store or online, we are still guided by the same philosophy - offer an extensive inventory and exceptional customer service at the lowest possible price.
A Berkshire Hathaway Company
Since Warren Buffett purchased Borsheims with a handshake in 1989, Borsheims has been a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family. As such, we are proud to host Berkshire Hathaway shareholders each year during the annual shareholders' meeting. Click here to read more about the events during the shareholders meeting, to view photos from past events or to ask questions.