The Retail Association of Maine has named Day’s Jewelers as its Retailer of the Year.

The trade group, which represents 400 businesses in Maine, announced the selection of the Waterville-based jewelry chain Thursday. The award will be presented at the association’s annual meeting Oct. 27 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport.

“Day’s was chosen for its reputation as a growing family business, patient and careful long term growth, social, ethical and environmental responsibility, and staff development procedures,” according to a release from the association. “Day’s Jewelers’ values aligned perfectly with the award criteria and they were unanimously selected as this year’s recipient.”

The annual award is given to a Maine retailer that demonstrates continued growth in employees or sales; commitment of company resources to community projects; and creation of a positive work environment.

Day’s was one of the first jewelers in America, and one of only six independent companies in the United States to achieve certification by the Responsible Jewellery Council, a nonprofit organization that established a set of best practice business standards and audits for the global jewelry industry, according to the release.

In the last few years, Day’s Jewelers has worked collaboratively with their staff, customers and suppliers to donate to more than 40 charitable organizations and has developed a program, called “Diamonds for Peace” to help Mainers in need by donating $10 for each loose diamond or piece of diamond jewelry sold, said the release.

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Day’s was also lauded for growing a family-owned enterprise in a competitive industry dominated by large corporate chains.

“It is a true honor for our company to be named as Retailer of the Year,” said President David Harris in the release. “Kathy, Jeff and Jim (Corey) have come a long way from their humble beginnings in Madawaska and Fort Kent to make Day’s one of the most respected retailers in the U.S. jewelry industry. It has been a pleasure to work in a company where customers and employees are treated like part of the family.”

Day’s operates seven stores, and recently opened a new location in Augusta.

The retail association has bestowed its retailer of the year honor every year since 1980.


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