BAILEY — James Finch Chevrolet will soon close its doors, although a date for when it will finally stop selling cars has not yet been set.
Larry Wood, general manager at LBJ Chevrolet-Buick in Nashville, confirmed Tuesday that the store would be closing in the near future.
“The family regrets this,” he said. “It is due to slow business. We would like to invite any and all customers to come to LBJ Chevrolet-Buick in Nashville.”
The dealership has been in Bailey for 31 years, said Ernie Hoover, sales manager at LBJ Chevrolet-Buick, and it is well-known in the area.
The owner of the business, James Madison Finch, 71, died in October. Finch also owned LBJ-Chevrolet Buick. The two dealerships are still owned by family members.
People in this Nash County town said the loss of the dealership, which occupies a prominent spot in downtown, will be a big blow.
“I am really disappointed in that,” said Owen Strickland, Bailey’s mayor. “It is going to be a big loss for the town. I feel sorry for the people that are working there.”
Roddie Hancock, owner of The Bailey Cafe, said the town will get less traffic when the dealership shuts down.
“Everybody I talk to says the same thing (that) it is going to be a great big loss,” he said.
“It is going to be a big void on this corner.”
hilary@wilsontimes.com | 265-7868