Bailey Banks & Biddle

Bailey Banks & Biddle was a premier luxury jeweler and an original tenant at Monroeville Mall, maintaining a presence there for decades as one of the mall's most prestigious "non-anchor" stores.

Store Profile

• Type of Store: High-end jewelry and fine gifts. It was often the "go-to" location for engagement rings, Swiss watches (like Rolex and Omega), and fine china.
• Reputation: Known as "America's Oldest Nationwide Jeweler" (founded in 1832), the company was famous for designing the Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor.
• Atmosphere: Like the flagship Philadelphia store, the Monroeville location aimed for a "museum-like" feel with glass display cases featuring rare gems and luxury items.

History at Monroeville Mall

• Opening: It was part of the mall's grand opening on May 13, 1969.
• Location: It traditionally occupied a prominent spot on the Upper Level, often near other high-end retailers and the major department store anchors like Horne's.
• Ownership Changes: The store was part of the Zale Corporation for much of its life in the mall (starting in 1962) before being sold to Finlay Enterprises in 2007.
• Closure: Following Finlay Enterprises' bankruptcy in 2009, the original chain collapsed. While the brand was later "relaunched" as a private company, it eventually exited the mall.