True Tales

The Day It Hit Minus 20 and This Jeweler Sold Diamonds in a Parka

A Calgary store owner recalls the December disaster that tested his holiday spirit — and his fingers.

Published

1 month ago

March 10, 2026

INSTORE Staff Instore March 2026 Issue

The Day It Hit Minus 20 and This Jeweler Sold Diamonds in a Parka

“Holiday hours: open till 5, or until we lose feeling in our hands.” IMAGE: GENERATED BY ENVATO AI

AFTER 45 YEARS in the business, I would say our biggest [Murphy’s Law-style] disaster was December 22nd of 1981 when the power went out to our building. It was a historic building with big windows and no insulation, and the outdoor temperature hit minus 20 degrees Celsius. I recall serving customers in a parka with gloves on. Made it hard to show customers nice jewelry. It was not a great day for sales. David Blitt, Troy Shoppe Jewellers, Calgary, AB

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