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Akron, OH--Sam's Jewelry Emporium, a longtime Akron business, will close on October 31, the Akron Business Journal reported. Owner Lee Manes, 79, said he is retiring after recent health problems.

[Image via Sam's Jewelry Emporium/Facebook]

The store at 468 E. Exchange Street has operated near the University of Akron since 1978. It began in 1946, when Manes' father, Ruben R. Manes, a World War II veteran, opened Sam's Loan Office in downtown Akron. The business shifted from pawn and loan services to jewelry sales when Lee took over in the 1970s.

Manes officially joined the store in 1971 and later moved it to its current location. According to the report, he ended pawn operations, focusing on jewelry design, sales, and repair. At its peak, the store employed eight people and held about 18,000 pieces.

Over the years, Sam's served thousands of local customers, including athletes LeBron James, Larry Nance, and Mark Price. Manes said he worked closely with police to prevent the sale of stolen items.

After suffering a stroke and other health issues, Manes decided to close the store. "I'm closing the business because I'm not well," he said, as per the report. From his residence in Copley, he said he received more than 150 cards from customers after announcing the closure.

A liquidation sale will continue through October. Manes said the Sam's Jewelry Emporium name will close with the store. "I'm proud of what I've accomplished," he said. "I thank my customers for their trust over three generations."

Learn more in this report by the Akron Business Journal.