FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MIRIAM MAYR, SABIKA VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING; ALEXANDRA MAYR-GRACIK, CEO AND HEAD DESIGNER AND FOUNDER KARIN MAYR. | PHOTO COURTESY SABIKA JEWELRY

Sabika, a family- and women-owned jewelry store based in Robinson, is closing its doors after 23 years and holding a farewell sale showcasing its last design until July 31. 

During that lifespan, the company served 300,000 customers, provided an income to 5,300 stylists, and paid out $44 million in commissions, according to Miriam Mayr, Sabika’s vice president of marketing and sales, in a departing statement.

“It would be unfair to point to any particular thing,” Alexandra Mayr-Gracik, CEO and head designer of Sabika Jewelry, says about the reasons for closing. “This sounds like a very harsh phrase, but, you know, [it was] death by a thousand cuts … it wasn’t like one incident or one event that led us to this decision.” She did not elaborate. 

Sabika has been marketed as “a company by women for everyone.” There has been “absolutely overwhelming” support from the community after the company announced its closing in June, says Mayr-Gracik.

Since its announcement, the store has been full of customers every day wanting to “take a piece of Sabika with them,” Mayr-Gracik says. 

Mayr-Gracik reflected on the inevitability of change and purchasing trends of the younger generations.

“This is something my mom instilled in us, you have to embrace change … change is the only constant in life,” she says. 

Jewelry buying habits have changed over the years, with millennials and Gen Z seeking more convenient methods of shopping and becoming more price-sensitive than older generations. According to MJJ Brilliant, a jewelry manufacturer, Gen Z wants to buy affordable jewelry from non-traditional and convenient businesses like online-only and e-commerce brands. 

Gen Z is less likely to pay full price for jewelry when they can find a deal anywhere online. They want their jewelry to be trendy, inexpensive and innovative. They are known as the “most skeptical and frugal shoppers we have seen to date,” says Ellen Fruchtman of Fruchtman Marketing. 

Sabika has sold unique pieces that are not always on trend. Their jewelry style was never “in fashion,” says Mayr-Gracik. “We’ve always been our own thing.” 

She agrees that Gen Z is more focused on the price of jewelry and sustainability efforts. 

During its run, Sabika raised more than $3.2 million for more than 1,500 nonprofits across the country, Miriam wrote in her departing statement.

To carry on that mission, the company is donating 10% of its proceeds from the farewell sale to The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Family Resources, and Cancer Bridges. 

These charities hold a special place in the hearts of the Sabika team. The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, receiving 10% of the proceeds, shares the focus of a family organization that Sabika has. 

Gracik’s father was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer a year ago and the Hillman Cancer Center provided support to the family. “This was our opportunity to give a final gift back.” 

Lastly, Karin Mayr, founder of Sabika Jewelry, is a survivor of child abuse. Family Resources’ helps to prevent child abuse and helps those affected. 

The team at Sabika each shared heartfelt farewell messages to their Sabika Family, noting how hard the decision weighed on their emotions, but said they are grateful for the many years of business. They encourage their customers to celebrate the business by participating in the farewell sale. 

Sabika will be holding online and in-store shopping events at 6450 Steubenville Pike while supplies last. This will feature the last new Sabika designs.