Another local business falls victim to the economy; this one was open for over a hundred and forty years. Warner Co. Jewelers in Fig Garden closed its doors Thursday, citing the sudden death of the former owner several years ago, a big expansion that proved to be a mistake, and the down economy.
After 144 years, Warner Co. is going out of business.
“It's quite bitter-sweet, obviously,” said Don Wolfe, President of Warner Co. Jewelers.
The doors closed Thursday afternoon, but not before hundreds shopped for deals. Everything was half off or more and the sale brought many customers to the store for the very first time.
For others, like Jennifer Bliss, shopping at Warner Co. is a family tradition.
“It goes back to my grandparents. I know they used to shop here many years ago and my parents used to come here for jewelry for different reasons,” said Bliss.
Wolfe says he regrets having to close.
“The hugs and tears that have happened in the last few weeks have been really unique,” he said.
Bankruptcy came after the downturn in the economy, the death of the former owner, and moving to a new location, then moving back. Wolfe says in retrospect, the expansion was a mistake.
“It was a giant expansion and that was a great vision that Casey Stephenson had. Had a few things not changed, including his untimely sudden death, then that would have been a different story,” said Wolfe.
Another longtime area business, Fig Garden Bookstore also shut its doors in the last month. It's a big disappointment for loyal customers.
“I'm very sad to see them closing. I think this is a great place, nice people,” said Bliss.
On a positive note, Wolfe did hint that we haven't seen the last of him. He said if they can come back in any capacity, they will. Warner Co. employed 18 people.
