Dan Sale, the owner of Sale Auto Mall in Kinston, has announced his retirement and the subsequent sale of the dealership. Established in 1986, Sale Auto Mall has been a significant player in the local automotive industry. The business includes BMW, Kia, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, and a wide variety of certified used vehicles.

"We are selling to another family auto group, the Deacon Jones Auto Group from Smithfield/Goldsboro area," said Sale. "It was important to us to have another family group take over. They will take good care of my wonderful 100 plus employees."

The next chapter for Sale is a future business called Sale Land and Sea Collectibles, which will feature classic cars, motorcycles and boats. It will be located near Lowes.

"I have the building, but will remodel before we officially open," said Sale. "I need to take a break first."

This period of transition is a family affair. Cathy Sale, Dan Sale's wife, is also set to retire in February. Her retirement aligns with the shift in their professional lives, marking the end of an era for the Sale family in the automotive dealership industry and the beginning of a new chapter with Sale Land and Sea Collectibles.

Even with his retirement Sale plans to continue his community philanthropy.

“Kinston has been very good to my family and we will continue to support many worthy causes — especially youth development,” said Sale.