After 45 years in jewelry business, Kevin Main to close doors in SLO - KSBY San Luis Obispo News
Kevin Main Jewelry Design & Studio has been a fixture in downtown San Luis Obispo for 20 years. Now, Kevin and his wife Kathi Main are planning their retirement and closing the Higuera Street store.
“I want to go play. I want to enjoy my retirement,” said Main Sunday morning. He told his 5 full-time employees last week that the time has come. He said, “I’ve been planning this for a while, but the time was right.”
Main opened his first jewelry store in Morro Bay 45 years ago. He said he received a $200 loan from his dad and took a risk. The risk paid off as the store flourished and eventually moved his business to downtown San Luis Obispo 20 years ago. Main said that 2008 was a lean year but he was able to stick it out with “a lot of hard work and great customers.”
In reflecting on their journey together over the last few decades, Kathi Main said she’s a little sad but ecstatic at the same time. “We have amazing long-time customers. I saw one the other day when she came in with her kids. We sold them their engagement rings!” It is those kinds of poignant moments that make her sad but she says she is proud of what they have accomplished.
Kevin Main is happy to be “going out on top.” Once they retire, the couple plans to drive to Tennessee to pick up an 18 foot trailer and then slowly work their way back home. Kevin, an avid long distance bicycle rider, plans to catch a few biking events as they make their way back to the Central Coast. They also plan to spend a lot more time with their kids and grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Kevin Main Jewelry Design & Studio will remain open until all current inventory is sold. Main says he has not decided yet whether he will sell the building or lease it. “I am keeping all of my options open at this point,” said Main.
