Littman Jewelers stores in Tennessee will change their name to Fred Meyer Jewelers, effective Feb. 11, to coincide with the grand opening of two new Fred Meyer Jewelers in Tennessee during the coming months.

Fred Meyer Jewelers, the nation’s third largest jewelry retailer, said in a statement Monday, that it plans to open 15 stores nationwide during 2009.

“We are proud to continue our expansion in response to our customers who want quality jewelry at a great value along with the convenience of local shopping and a high level of service,” said Peter Engel president of Fred Meyer Jewelers.

Littman Jewelers and Fred Meyer Jewelers have been sister companies for the past 10 years, since Littman Jewelers was acquired by Fred Meyer Jewelers in 1998. The name change coincides with the grand opening of the new store located inside Kroger Marketplace, 4726 Trader’s Way in Thompson’s Station, Tenn. on Feb. 11. The grand opening of the Thompson’s Station store marks the company’s ninth store in Tennessee and 387th store total. 

Founded in 1973, Fred Meyer Jewelers, based in Portland, Ore., operates nearly 400 stores in 35 states under the Fred Meyer Jewelers and Littman Jewelers brand names. Fred Meyer Jewelers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., which was acquired in 1999 by The Kroger Co., one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers.

JCK