As much as $100,000 in merchandise is reportedly missing from a local outlet store following a remodeling in mid-August.

Dawson County Sheriff’s Lt. Tony Wooten said authorities are working with loss prevention personnel from Fossil at North Georgia Premium Outlets to determine what is missing.

“The merchandise had been stored in the stockroom,” Wooten said. “When they came back in to open the store after the remodel, they noticed they believed there was a shortage of inventory from the time they left.”

Fossil specializes in watches and accessories such as handbags and wallets.

The outlet location, which was closed for the renovation between Aug. 15 and 20, also carries some clothing.

Wooten said there was no evidence of a break-in.

“They had employees there, people who were hired to do the remodeling and an outside, private company who was hired to do security that were at the store during the remodeling,” Wooten said.

Management with Fossil filed an initial sheriff’s report Sept. 7, noting that $17,000 in merchandise was missing from the store.

“After investigators talked to their loss prevention, their estimates are potentially up to $100,000,” Wooten said. “They’re working right now to do an audit of the store to determine what exactly is missing.

“Those results will be forwarded to the sheriff’s office for the investigation to continue.”