124-year-old jewelry store closing in Stanly County

Starnes Jewelers is closing its doors after 124 years of business in downtown Albemarle in Stanly County.

"[It's] the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, just because I love the employees. I love the customers," said owner Gene Starnes.

Starnes has spent his life working in the jewelry store his grandfather opened in 1898.

"We've been through a lot," said Starnes. "Been through the pandemic of 1917, made it through this [and] made it through the depression,"

Now, Starnes said it's time to close the store that he's owned since his father died in the 70s.

"Health wise and age, I'm 80-years-old, and I've had some battle with some cancer," said Starnes.

Customers packed the store Tuesday to say good byes and take advantage of a going-out-of-business sale.

"I have to see it close. It's a good place," said Albemarle resident Wanda Talbert.

Like so many, Talbert said she thought the store along West Main Street would always be there.

"It is a part of what we were raised around," said Talbert.

Starnes has no children, and no one to pass the store on to.

"My brother-in-law is helping me and he's been involved in it. But he's older than I am," said Starnes.

Starnes said he doesn't want to sell the store to a big chain, either.

"I just can't hold up to doing what I want to do anymore," said Starnes.

Customers new and old said they'll miss the personal service, and the store's closing is a loss for the community.

"I've been in here a few times and every time I come in here, I come out with something new," said Martin Garcia.

"[I] love the community, and it;s just extremely hard. I've never experienced anything harder than having to close," said Starnes.

Starnes adds that he plans to stay open until he sells most of his inventory — which could take up to six weeks. He said that he recently sold an engagement ring for the fifth generation in the same family.