by EDWARD SZTUKOWSKI
News Reporter

Terrapins, a locally owned retail store on King Street is holding a closing sale until Saturday, Nov. 15 when the store will be open for its final day in winter.

“I’ve worked 70 to 75 hours a week for eight months with about six days off in that time,” Terrapins owner Gary Star said. “My body needs a break.”

The store, known for its selection of tapestries, skirts and dresses, has been in Boone for over two years, beginning 10 years ago at flea markets in upstate New York.

Gary Star, owner of Terrapins, is holding a closing sale until Nov. 15 when the store will close until March. Photo by Rachel Noel

“I started my business from nothing,” Star said. “I’m grateful for every sale, so I’ll help people out if they are short $3 to $4.”

Star will close down Terrapins for the winter, opening it up again once the spring semester arrives.

Star plans to move to a mall in High Point to sell merchandise during the Christmas season, then vacation during the months of January and February.

“I hope to see all my regulars and new customers alike when I plan to reopen in March,” he said.

Star began a closing sale last week, with a 20 to 40 percent price drop on all glass pieces, and said he saw 140 to 150 customers in the first 48 hours of the sale.

“My prices are already 20 to 50 percent lower than other glass stores in Boone, and the closing sale brought additional price drops,” Star said.

While Terrapins has brought a lot of joy to Star, it has not been without its heartaches. Glassware and clothing was stolen from

Terrapins in October; however, an ongoing police investigation allegedly identified the suspects.

“The police solved the crime swiftly, I was very happy with how they acted once they had received all the information,” Star said.

“Thousands of dollars were stolen, but I’m going to be in the same spot still come March.”

While Terrapins will only be gone for a few months, Star stresses his gratefulness for his past costumers and his appreciation for every sale.

“I thank everyone that has come in and supported Terrapins with my products of beautiful clothing, gift items and very kind glassware prices,” he said.

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