In Chapel Hill, Baum Diamonds is closing its doors after 40 years in business. Clare Baum, who owns the store with her husband, Walter, said there was nothing behind the decision to close except a desire to retire. Her children have their own careers and didn't want to take over, so the couple decided to close the store.

"It's time to step aside," she said.

Baum Diamonds originally was located on Franklin Street and moved in 1994 to its current spot at 400 S. Elliott Road in the Galleria.

Over the years, it became known for its jewelry selection and craftsmanship. The store has started a liquidation sale, and Clare Baum said she is not sure how much longer the shop will be open.

"It's week-to-week at this point," she said. "We're coming to the end of it."

After they retire, the Baums aren't going far. They will split their time between their Chapel Hill residence and Walter Baum's Eastern North Carolina childhood home in Hyde County.

"We're not going to be jet-setters," Clare Baum said.

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Here's an update on the renovation at the Holly Park shopping center in Raleigh, at Wake Forest Road and Interstate 440:

Construction will begin soon on the building that houses the Melting Pot. The exterior will be updated, and the building will be expanded so that Enterprise Rent-A-Car can relocate there. Then the Benjamin Moore paint store that currently sits in a separate building along Wake Forest Road will move into the main portion of the center.

That will clear the way for the new Trader Joe's, which will begin construction soon on its store fronting Wake Forest Road. Its opening is slated for next spring.

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In Cary, Fresh Fruit Bouquet is opening its first area store Monday. The company specializes in edible arrangements similar to floral arrangements; they use fresh fruit and things like chocolate-covered strawberries.

The store, in Stonebridge Village at Kildaire Farm and Ten-Ten roads, also will serve frozen yogurt and have a cereal bar boasting 28 varieties.

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Other items: In Knightdale, Planet Fitness opened at 2001 Widewaters Parkway. ... In Raleigh's North Hills, luxury eyewear boutique The Spectacle is open next to Vivace. ... In downtown Raleigh, Thai restaurant Champa Cafe opened a second location at 16 W. Martin St. ... In Clayton, Ashley Furniture Homestore and Clearance Center is open at 9257 U.S. 70 Business. ... Also in Clayton, a spa for teen and "tween" girls called It's All About Me opened at 921 Town Center Blvd.

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From my blog: At Triangle Town Center in Raleigh, Screamin' Mimi's child care is open in the outdoor Commons area. ... In Durham, Kemp's Seafood reopened at 115 Page Point Circle. ... The Designer Jeans Exchange is open at the N.C. State Fairgrounds flea market. You can exchange a pair of jeans and $20 for a pair of gently used designer jeans, or you can pay $40 if you have no exchange. Exchanges must be dry-cleaned.

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