McNeil Jewelers was formed in 1946 when the founder Robert D McNeil came home from service in World War II and attended the Western Pennsylvania Horological Institute for Watch making. Known as the GI Jeweler, Bob and his wife Josephine began the business in small storefronts in the downtown Norwich area specializing in watch repair and carrying a variety of gift items. As the business grew more jewelry lines were added. In 1974 McNeil Jewelers moved to a much larger showroom at 25 South Broad Street in the heart of the downtown Norwich business district.