A longtime Le Mars business is entering a new chapter. Robin and Dave Grosenheider have announced the sale of Hotopp Jewelry and Gifts to longtime employee Jessica Pottebaum and her husband Jeff of Remsen, with the ownership transition scheduled to take place in early August.
Owner-manager Robin Grosenheider said in a statement that her and Dave “are thrilled that the Hotopp tradition will continue,” and that “it was important to us that the store remains a retail anchor in the community. Exciting things are happening in downtown Le Mars.” Jessica Pottebaum expressed enthusiasm about the transition, saying “we are excited to take over this beloved business,” and that her and Jeff “will continue offering the best in fine jewelry, gifts, and home décor, with plans to expand our selection. Our current employees will remain, providing the friendly customer service that has long been a trademark of Hotopp’s.”
The Grosenheiders have owned the business for 48 years. Hotopp Jewelry and Gifts was originally established in April 1959, when Walter and Frida Hotopp, immigrants from Germany, moved from Remsen to Le Mars to operate a jewelry store inside the H.F. Clasen store on Plymouth Street. In March 1973, Tom Otis and Tom Nelson of Nelson Jewelers in Spencer, Iowa, purchased Hotopp Jewelers and operated it for nearly five years. Dave and Robin Grosenheider acquired the business in January 1978, moving to its current location at 26 Central Avenue NE in 1990.
Reflecting on their years of ownership, Robin Grosenheider shared her appreciation: “We have been blessed with wonderful employees, both past and present. We also want to thank our many loyal customers who have supported us for nearly five decades — many of whom have become dear friends.”
Robin will remain involved as an advisor to the store, and Dave will continue his part-time role at KLEM Radio.
