Monday, December 21, 2009
By Rebekah Cowell
After 32 years of business, the owner of Beggars & Choosers, Pittsboro's eclectic vintage shop has decided to take a hiatus after an Oct. 24 robbery during the town's Street Fair wiped out the store's jewelry case, cash register and ultimately owner Pam Smith's faith in her customers.
“I've always loved what I do, and right now I don't,” said Smith.
The final day of business is Jan. 2.
The robber took Smith's gold and silver jewelry, priceless cameos, watches, amber and cash. “They had cased the store and they knew right where the valuable items were." Smith did not have insurance on her vintage merchandise, and she doubts she will ever see the stolen jewelry again. “I'm sure they'll melt it down.”
For now, Smith's lack of joy in working the store has diminished to the point of where she doesn't trust her customers.
She needs a break, but at 62, she said she’s not ready to retire and may not close for good.
“I wish I could get a grip,” Smith said. “Part of me says it was just stuff and no one got hurt, but the other part of me doesn't trust anyone, and you can't run a business if you don't love your customers.”
Since announcing the closing over the weekend, Smith has been warmed by the community's response. As one customer mentioned, the downtown Pittsboro community will not be the same without Smith's creative corner window displays and decked-out mannequins.
On Smith's last day of business, Smith will hold a storewide sale with merchandise discounted as much as 50 to 75 percent. “This is our way of giving back to all of you who have made our lives rich in love and laughter,” wrote Smith in her store closing announcement.
“I know it was just stuff, but my faith was robbed and until I can work through that, I need to take some time.”
Comments (9)
Showing 1-9 of 9
Miss Pam, I'm so sorry this happened. I've enjoyed coming to your store for more than 10 years now, since I was in college and it would take forever to get out to Pittsboro stuck behind a big old truck on the little road. Some of my most favorite things and happiest memories come from poking around your shop. When you opened up the little sewing and fabric room in the back I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. There'll never be anything that comes close to Beggars and Choosers. Thanks for that. I hope you get your faith in people back.
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I feel terrible for her and understand feeling violated as I've been robbed twice myself. But, I just don't see why this should stop her from having faith in her customers. How many law-abiding great customers has she had over the last 15 years? Why let this one incident stop such a great business from existing.
Pam, your store has been a part of my life for the last 15 years. There are countless items in my wardrobe and pieces the adorn my house that all have come from you. In the last couple of years, I was even able to start a small Ebay business buying and reselling items that I got from you. You are such an intricate part of this community and the closing of your store is a real loss. To hear this happened to you breaks my heart and the only thing that gives me comfort is knowing that karma will repay those that have robbed you and this community.
aahh ... what is this town coming to when you can't even run out and get an emergency tiara???? i expect to see lots more of you in my shop xo ang
I am so angry that this happened to you and the store! Though I haven't been in a while (the small children attached to me don't mix well with antiques) I will miss knowing you are there. I am anticipating your next venture. I know it will be exciting!
So sorry to hear about this. Having been the victim of a crime, I understand what it is like to lose your trust in your fellow human beings and to lose your sense of safety. Pam, I don't know you but you are in my thoughts....
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