Henry C. Reid

In February 1997, French prepared for the move scheduled for later that year by purchasing the inventory of the Finishing Touch, an upscale Fairfield giftware shop that was closing its doors. Incorporating the fine giftware into his jewelry store allowed French to continue the proud tradition of the original Bridgeport store, “making us once again a fine jewelry and gift store,” he said.

“I love our new location,” said store manager Robert Filosa. “There’s a different aura about this store. We want customers to feel a certain warmth when they walk in,” Filosa said. And while the new location is larger the business has not lost the charm and warmth.

With its long and storied history, Henry C. Reid & Son at 1591 Post Road in Fairfield has earned the respect of discriminating shoppers throughout the region. The company caters to area celebrities as well as the general population. It continues to attract new clientele while satisfying the needs and taste of customer who remember shopping at Reid’s first Bridgeport location.

Our history began in Bridgeport, CT almost a century ago when Henry C. Reid, a watch and clock maker, opened the store in 1910 on Broad Street. When Herb Reid, the son of Henry C. Reid, retired, his partner Arthur R. French Jr. took on three new partners, all of whom had been in his employ. Harry French bought out his father’s partners in 1978 and today the certified gemologist remains the sole owner and company president of Henry C. Reid & Son Jewelers.

Not only has French followed in his father’s footsteps, but in those of Herb Reid. Reid was among the first jewelers in country to become a certified gemologist by the American Gemological Society. Harry French earned his certification in 1972.

Under the management of the Reids and Arthur French, the fine jewelry and gift store flourished for decades. In 1975 a second store was opened in Fairfield’s Heritage Square. Several years later the Bridgeport store was closed and the entire business was moved to the Fairfield location. But shortly thereafter they left Heritage Square for a place on the Post Road. The business remained there for almost 20 years before moving one year ago to its present location at 1591 Post Road, just six doors away. And with the move, Henry C. Reid & Son Jewelers has started a new chapter in its illustrious history.

The new store is almost double the size of the previous location, allowing the family-owned business to offer once again fine giftware to complement the full jewelry service, which includes appraisals, custom designs, engraving and jewelry repair. “When we moved to the first Post Road location we didn’t have enough space for the gifts so we concentrated on the jewelry. But we went from a store with 1,200 square feet to a space of 2,100 square feet. Now we are a full-service jewelry store specializing in fine-quality jewelry and gifts,” French said.