“Going once, twice, and sold” are words that auctioneer John Gokey will be retiring from his vocabulary.

The man who owns North Country’s most famous auction house voice is getting out of the business to grow the outlet store he runs with his wife Jean in North Hudson.

“It was getting to be too much work,” John told Schroon Laker. “We want to concentrate on growing our retail business here.”

Those plans include renting out four storefronts at their location and hosting a May through September garage sale on part of the property where sellers would rent spaces.

John also hopes to attract local arts and crafts and antique dealers.

John says he will continue to donate his auction calling skills to local charities.