Headlines

After Car Plows into Jewelry Store, Owner Takes it in Stride

Published

8 years ago

June 2, 2016

INSTORE Staff

See photos of the wreckage at Southern Jewelry News

When a car drives right through the front door of your store, there’s not a whole lot you can do but shrug your shoulders and have a laugh. At least that was Bob McCarty’s reaction after a Buick LeSabre crashed into his store in Evansville, IN and parked itself in the engagement and wedding rings section, as Southern Jewelry News writes. The article says that the crash happened before McCarty opened the store that day, so no one was inside or got injured. He first learned about the crash via a text from a friend, and then raced to the store to find it surrounded by fire trucks, an ambulance and police cars. As he described the scene to SJN:

“Come to find out, a 95-year-old lady had just left the bank and had come up around the corner from the exit of Walmart. She said she’d had mechanical failure, that the throttle had stuck. The people at the bank kind of corroborated her story; they said her engine was revving really high when she was there and it’s very possible that could have happened.” The woman, the article says, came away with just a few scrapes and bruises.

McCarty told SJN that the attention he’s received from the crash has actually been good for his business, adding with a laugh: “I’ve heard a million and one jokes about opening up a drive-through jewelry store.” He hopes repairs will be complete in three or four weeks.

See photos of the wreckage at Southern Jewelry News

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”