By MADDY VITALE
What began as a friendship since the sixth grade and when they were Little Leaguers together, evolved into joint ownership of a successful, iconic Boardwalk business venture in Ocean City for Jeff Sherman and Sam Koperwas.
And they must be doing something right — a lot right, actually — because they have been in operation since 1972 with their Henry’s jewelry store.
Everything from baubles to engagement rings and clothing are exquisitely displayed in the store, offering customers a friendly and comfortable shopping experience.
Finely arranged jewelry and a welcoming staff continue to attract customers at this landmark jewelry store.
“We have the best people in the business. The employees are great, and we love the customers,” Sherman said.
Koperwas added, “We have been here for three generations. We have served three generations of families.”
The name Henry’s was inspired by a cigar store Indian statue given to Koperwas and Sherman by some of their friends while they were still debating what to call their business. Their friends had dubbed the statue “Henry.” The statue, about 6 feet tall, remains an iconic piece of the store.
Henry’s is located at 1236 Boardwalk and open year-round. The store offers customers an online shopping experience at https://henrysoc.com and is happy to ship purchases.
Koperwas said there is one motto that he, Sherman and the employees stick to.
“I always say treat the customers as you would like to be treated,” he noted.
Shoppers peer into crystal clear glass cases to point out pieces they would like to try on.
“I love it,” said Chris Katch, of Milmont Park, Pa., as she browsed the selections of bracelets until she pointed to a few she really liked.
Saleswoman Rylee Mesi helped Katch with her selections.
“My parents have a place in Ocean City, and I shop at Henry’s every summer vacation,” Katch noted, adding that she always finds beautiful jewelry at the shop.
Henry’s offers unusual, beautiful, well-made pieces from top designers in the jewelry industry at an affordable price, while providing the ultimate in customer service.
Koperwas and Sherman attend trade shows to look for and purchase superior quality merchandise to add to their selection.
There is nothing typical about the items sold at Henry’s. They sell the popular jewelry pieces from Pandora and a complete collection of Alex and Ani jewelry, an ample children’s selection, and even Ocean City-specific items, including the Sindia Reef Collection named for the ship that ran aground in Ocean City in 1901.
Henry’s also offers timeless designs of wedding, engagement and anniversary rings.
“We sell a lot of engagement rings. We are very particular when buying. We shop for quality,” Sherman emphasized.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic shuttering businesses from mid-March until June, Sherman said Henry’s was and continues to do a bustling business.
“We haven’t missed a beat,” he said with a smile, standing alongside his best friend and business partner, Koperwas.
The owners, who have 20 employees, not only have staying power in years as a Boardwalk shop, but their staff seems to never leave.
The “newbies” have been there for five years. Others almost since the grand opening.
“Most of our staff has been here for 20 and 30 years. The newbies are the ones who have worked at Henry’s for five years,” Sherman said with a laugh.
Saleswoman Gale Cipaldo, of Ocean City, smiled as she helped some of the customers who stopped in off the Boardwalk to see some glitter and glitz.
She displayed a diamond pendent as she spoke of why she loves working for Henry’s.
“Everyone in the store from retired people like myself, or college kids, get along,” Cipaldo said. “It is a wonderful place to work.”
Maria Burd, of Egg Harbor Township, has worked for Henry’s for five years.
While a “newbie” who is retired, Burd said she enjoys coming to work. “I love it. I really do. The quality is fabulous. The owners are fantastic, and everyone gets along.”
Most importantly, the customers are happy, she added.
“I really enjoy it, and I get excited when a customer falls in love with something,” Burd said. “The pieces are unique. The store is enchanting.”
For more information, call Henry’s at 609-398-4238, go to the website at https://henrysoc.com or visit them on Facebook at Henry’s Landmark.
