April 1. An octogenarian entrepreneur who lives in Troutman is opening an upscale luggage store in Jetton Village. Winnie Ruth Judd said she would take a 1,200 square foot space adjacent to the new Gourmet Cutlery store.

“First-class travel is what we’re all about,” the 89-year-old Judd said. Her store, which features luxury brands like Louis Vuitton as well as safari lines like Agnes Hedvig, is open from 7 pm to 3 am Monday through Friday. She will keep her job as a medical office secretary in Mooresville “until I’m sure I can make a go of it.” The unusual hours will cater to an international clientele.

She said cutting through the red tape in Mecklenburg County was arduous but fun. Judd has on display a luxurious—but incomplete—set of Louis Vuitton steamer trunks her father purchased in the 1930s. Only two are missing.

This story has been approved by the April 1 Society