I opened my store 2-1/2 years ago. It was such an exciting time. The response to the store's design and content was incredible. I carry beautiful imported Japanese paper, bookmaking supplies, jewelry, gifts, fun antique finds, and more. The first year progressed well and when September of '08 rolled around and the bailouts were announced---pfffffffft! I struggled, tried to borrow money from the SBA, and finally, it became untenable. Yesterday I drafted an email to my best clients that had me in tears even before I sent it. After I sent it and I started getting responses, the waterworks really started.
I really think this did not need to happen to me and so many like me. Small businesses such as mine really have suffered in this recession and frankly, there was no relief from any of the stimulus. Hell, we could save a bunch of looting banks, but we can't save small businesses? I know the sacrifices I have made as have so many others--always looking for what's on sale at the grocery, no movies, no new clothes, always looking over my shoulder for a way to trim money from expenses. But now I'm tired and I just want it to be over. This is the email I dreaded writing and even more, sending:
Dear Friends of G******* S*****,
This is the email that I have dreaded writing and sending to you for some time. It is with sadness that I must tell you that I will be closing GS on November 14th. It is also with an element of hope as well, since my intention is to keep the Japanese paper and items for the book and paper arts as well as the workshop components of the store. I am working on a location for that part of the business and I hope to have that nailed down very soon. Obviously I will let you all know those logistics as soon as I know exactly what they are. It is that particular part of the business of which I am most fond, particularly since we've built such a wonderful community of people like you who love to come to GS and "make stuff."
I owe you all many thanks for all of the ways in which you have supported my endeavors since I first opened in 2007. I have loved meeting, talking, and sharing with you all. I firmly believe that our friendships will continue to grow as I move into this new part of my life. So, we'll not indulge in too much sadness but in the hope that we'll continue to meet, share, make our books, and enjoy one another's company well into the future.
This particular email is going to the group of you have been my most ardent supporters. Obviously there is a fair amount of merchandise--gifts, textiles, jewelry, pottery, etc. that I need to sell before I close. This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 9th, 10th, and 11th are your days to have a chance to purchase any of these items at 35% off. As stated, this won't include paper and items related to bookmaking, nor any items that are in the store on consignment (artist's books and a few other things). So please do come and browse and see if there are any items that you'd like either for yourselves or for gifts. On Monday, October 12th the inevitable signs will go into the window letting the public at large know that I will be closing and the sale will extend to them. While we always endeavor to be environmentally responsible, please print and bring this email with you so that we can honor your discounts. We promise to recycle them!
All scheduled workshops and events will still take place--business as usual for a while. If you are signed up for a class that is to take place after November 14th, not to worry, as I will give you ample notice as to where they will be taking place. Also, please do come by the store this Thursday evening if you can since we will be hosting a reception for "Groovefest," in honor of C****** V******'s 60th anniversary. For those of you who do not live close by, if you would like to make some purchases then using your discount, we will certainly accommodate you.
In closing, I would just like to acknowledge to you and to M******, my trusty sidekick, how important she has been to me and to the store. Without M******'s excellent attention to detail, her skill at display, her wonderful customer service, and her ability to put up with the most disorganized boss in the world, I'd have been up a creek without a paddle, a long time ago. I owe her much for her talent, enthusiasm, and loyalty. We will forever remain the dearest of comrades.
I hope to see you all soon.
With love and affection,
A*****
So the end of the wonderful little store is here. I'll resurrect in some fashion though there will never be the same wonderful place that I created, loved, and enjoyed.