Retirement After Four Decades: A Jewelry Legacy Ends

George and Colleen Wood announced the permanent closure of their long‑running jewelry shop on June 5, bringing an end to a 41‑year run that began in the 1970s. The store, once located on Main Street and now at Countryside Plaza in East Huntingdon, had become a local landmark.

A Farewell Tour

Long‑time customers stopped by to say goodbye, sharing memories of class rings and wedding bands purchased there. The couple’s daughter, Stacey from Columbus, Ohio, returned home just to walk through the shop one last time. The shelves still hold jewelry and watches, while plaques honoring community achievements line the walls.

A History of Resilience

The Woods rebuilt and moved to a new location within weeks after a fire in 1992 that destroyed most of their inventory. George’s career began as a supermarket manager for his parents’ Super Dollar store; when the family closed it, he pivoted to jewelry in 1985 and learned quartz watch repair from scratch. He recalls the transition as a huge leap—from thousands in daily grocery sales to just $55 on the first jewelry day.

The Secret Behind Their Success

Despite competition from big‑box stores and online shopping, the Woods said their success lay in personalized service. “We did whatever the customer wanted,” George explained, noting that this focus helped grow the business over time.

Looking Ahead

The store also sold trophies and awards to Unity Printing, hoping a new owner might keep the jewelry business alive. After 12‑hour days and six‑day weeks, the Woods look forward to a quiet retirement.