Jeweler gives refunds after snow bet

• Tweet

WILMINGTON, N.C., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- A North Carolina jeweler said he is following through on his promise to refund purchases if a town received more than 3 inches of Christmas snow.

Alan Perry, who promised to refund purchases made from Perry's Emporium in Wilmington between Nov. 26 and Dec. 11 if Christmas saw more than 3 inches of snowfall in Asheville, said his insurance company will take about 45 days to write checks for the affected customers, the Asheville Citizen-Times reported Thursday.

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network Web site said a total 8.5 inches of snow fell in Asheville during Christmas.

"The customers are coming in like crazy, bringing their receipts," Perry said.

He said he heard about the snow while enjoying his Christmas vacation in Jamaica.

"One woman I know, a real estate agent in Wilmington, was in Asheville visiting her mother, and she was sending photos (of the snow) to my iPad," Perry said. "She said, 'You'd better get out your checkbook.'"

Perry said his insurance company expects to pay nearly $400,000 total for the policy.