WJ Coote & Sons may have been a feature on the Bathurst landscape for exactly 25 years this Saturday, but owner Sam Coote’s grandfather, William John Coote, actually started the business in Sydney in 1903.

The family business then continued when William’s three sons set up their own jewellery stores, including Robert ‘Bob’ Coote who opened a store in Bathurst in 1953.

Then, on December 23, 1992 Bob’s son Sam and daughter-in-law Ilona, purchased the business from him.

In the years since, the store has had a long line of regular clientele, and staff who have worked behind the counter.

“It’s a fantastic place to work, people usually come in happy,” Ilona said.

“What has really stood out to me is our customers saying how sad they are at it closing.”

Earlier this year, Sam and Ilona put the business on the market to sell, but a lack of interested buyers left them confident that closing the store was actually the right option.

“I love it, but I wish to retire,” Sam said.

“I’m happy we’re closing on a high and not having to sell it.”

Sam has been a business man, rather than a jeweller, during his time owning WJ Coote & Sons, and said the position has given him and Ilona the opportunity to travel the world to purchase gems, gold and silver for the store.

“You’re dealing with beautiful things all the time,” he said.

Sam said the WJ Coote & Sons stores in Sydney and Newcastle, set up by William’s other two sons, closed years ago so when the Bathurst store closes this Saturday it will be the end of the family’s legacy in jewellery.

The couple say they will miss the camaraderie between the customers and staff, but they are also keen to have more time to themselves and do a bit of travelling.

Ilona said: “I won’t miss the headaches of running a business, but I’ll miss the team and the customers.”

Sam said: “We’d like to thank Bathurst for embracing WJ Coote & Sons, it’s been a wonderful ride.”

WJ Coote & Sons will close its doors for the final time at midday this Saturday and much of the store’s stock has been heavily discounted.