CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A family run jewelry store is preparing to shut its doors after over three decades here in Charlotte.
Karat Patch Jewelry is a 33-year veteran in Myers Park, but longevity wasn't enough to overcome health problems and evolving technology.
"We've never been a promotion store," said owner Buddy Simon. "We've never done a great deal of advertising."
Buddy says it's been a great run, but recently, the good times have been few and far between for he and his son Scott.
"I was in an induced coma for about three and a half weeks," said Scott Simon.
Last September, blood clots put Scott in the hospital for over three months. His recovery is now going well, but the store's recovery from the economic recession in 2008 is not. Buddy says online shopping for jewelry has taken business away.
"How can anyone buy a diamond by looking at a picture?" Buddy said. "I just don't understand it."
Unfortunately for Karat Patch, that's exactly what many in their 20's, Buddy's target clients for engagement rings, are doing.
"We want you, but you just end up not being our customer," Buddy said.
With an uphill battle to keep up with technology and his son still on the mend, Buddy is going out of business. He's closing up shop within the next month or so, but Scott plans to open a new jewelry store of his own once he's back at full strength.
"It's just going to be a new chapter," Scott said. "We will be back."
The Simons say the thing they'll miss most is being a part of the happy times for their customers. They say coming into a jewelry store is unique to other stores, because you're not just buying something, you're doing something special for someone you love.
