NO DATE SET YET FOR ACTUAL CLOSING   

"IT WAS A TOUGH DECISION"   

An “institution” on Main Street in Hendersonville for close to five decades is closing its doors.

The Hendersonville Times-News reports Wednesday that owner Stan Shelley has decided to close the business his father, Keith, opened in 1973.

“It was a tough decision – it is rewarding to work with people during the happiest times of their lives, but the timing is right,” Shelley stated in a news release.
The Times-News says a final going-out-of-business sale open to the public begins at 10 a.m. Aug. 13. The sale will include “extreme markdowns” on the store’s jewelry, including diamonds and estate pieces. The sale will continue until all of the inventory is gone.

Store employees indicated to WHKP News on Wednesday that it was a bust day in the store..

A definite closing date has not been announced.   

Stan Shelley had his second heart attack this past summer, which made him contemplate what he wanted to do with his remaining years.

He and his wife plan to focus on their other passion which is rare books. They also own Shelley and Son Books on Main Street, which does a majority of its business on line.

Shelley’s Jewelry has changed locations three times in the store’s nearly 50-year history, but has always stayed on the same block in downtown Hendersonville. The store is currently at 429 N. Main St.

Keith Shelley passed away in 2010 and was the store’s biggest legacy, according to his son.

Shelley says what he will miss most are the customers and loyal staff at the store.

The closure of the jewelry store is one of a handful recently announced on Main Street. Jongo Java, a popular coffee shop downtown, closed at the end of July. Lime Leaf Thai Fusion, a local dinner stop, also announced its closure last month.