Georgia Blu announces it’s closing (but isn’t blaming the economy)


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Children’s-clothing boutique Georgia Blu, on California next to KeyBank, has just announced it’s closing after 2 1/2 years. This is the third Junction closure announced in the past two weeks, after Swee Swee Paperie (announced July 9) and Ama Ama Oyster Bar and Grill (announced last Sunday). Thanks to Robin for sharing the note that went out to Georgia Blu’s mailing list late tonight:

It is with a mixture of sadness and relief that I send this email out to you all. Georgia Blu will be closing our doors in September. Now I know that you are all thinking that we too are just another casualty of our stressed economy. However to believe that would be a disservice to our extremely loyal customer base. It’s true that our business has slowed down, like most business right now; but thanks to many of you – we are really hanging in there. Your devotion to supporting us – even in these tough times – is something that will stay with me for a very long time.

Instead, there are really two other reasons we’re closing. The first one is that our lease is up in September. I’ve debated back and forth for quite a while about whether or not to renew our lease but ultimately have decided this is a good time to close the store. The second reason – and probably the more pressing reason we are closing is that as a business owner and a mother of three, I find it harder and harder to do both jobs well. I’m sure many other mothers and fathers out there can relate. When I started GB I had a 4 year old, and a 1 year old. I now have a 7 year old, a 4 year old and a 9 month old. I have found it to be an increasingly huge challenge finding the time to be the kind of mother I wish to be, as well as a devoted shop owner of an always changing business.

This was not an easy decision, nor was it free of some heartache. But I do feel that it is the right decision.

The announcement continues after the jump:

Despite many ups and downs, I have loved owning a store in my neighborhood as it has introduced me to so many wonderful people – many of whom have become great friends – that I otherwise would not have known. It’s been a pleasure to have been among the other great businesses and business owners in the Junction and part of a community where most people believe strongly in supporting local businesses. I am thankful for the experience and a better person for having had it.

Over the next two months we will slowly be liquidating our inventory. As well, some pieces of furniture, fixtures and displays will also be for sale. Stay tuned for a final email from us regarding when and how this sale will take place.

Thank you again to all of you who have loyally supported us for the past 3 years. We’ve felt honored over the years that you have shared with us the stories of your children, which included both joys and sadness of parenthood, grandparenthood and aunt/unclehood. Just the other day a customer came into the shop that I hadn’t seen in a while. The first time I met this customer, she was pregnant with her daughter and with her this time was her almost 3 year old little girl. It really brought home to me the joy we’ve had in watching your children grow, even for a short time. It also reminded me that my children too are growing up so fast ~ and I just don’t want to miss it.

Many thanks and warmest regards,
Krista Means

26 Replies to "Georgia Blu announces it's closing (but isn't blaming the economy)"

  • AD July 23, 2009 (11:51 pm)

    Krista, I am very sad to hear but understand you want to be there for your kids. I love, love, love GB. :( Might someone buy the business?

  • Keith July 24, 2009 (1:08 am)

    Ugh! GB was my easy go-to spot for awesome baby/kiddie gifts. Always found something perfect and had it wrapped up beautifully. They’ll be missed by bachelors and families alike.

  • Rob July 24, 2009 (8:19 am)

    When does the sale start???????

  • Jenni July 24, 2009 (8:51 am)

    You will be so missed! It’s always been so fun to go in there with my 3 year old, who loves to play in the kitchen area. And Erin is just one of the nicest people I think I’ve ever known. She cheered me on through my recent prengancy and I just felt like I’d known her for years. Now where can you get service like that? I am so sad but completely understand why you are doing it. I agree, can’t someone buy it???????

  • rdm July 24, 2009 (8:57 am)

    Oh great! One less place to breastfeed in the junction.

  • DW July 24, 2009 (9:08 am)

    Please it’s about the economy – if she was going to quit because of her kids she never should have started the store in the first place.

    Another hole in the junction.

    West Seattle is dying.

  • homesweethome July 24, 2009 (9:49 am)

    I’m always amazed at the odd and nasty comments that appear here i.e. DW’s comment above.

    Krista – I feel for you in this tough decision and know that most folks here in the neighborhood understand the time pressure of being a small business owner. Best wishes to you and your family! You’ll be missed.

  • Donna July 24, 2009 (10:01 am)

    We will really miss GB! It’s a beautiful store with wonderful people.

  • JB July 24, 2009 (10:16 am)

    DW: Do you know Krista? Have you ever been in the store? I do & I have. She’s a person of integrity and has worked hard to make GB a success — which it is — it is not closing it’s doors in failure, but in success. GB was not a hobby for her. I take her as a woman of her word — if she says she’s closing the store to focus on her family for a while, then that’s why she’s closing. Knowing her, she’d be at this crossroad even in the best economy.

    In addition, she’s supported a number of auctions, and non profits with donations from the store.

    Losing GB is the junction’s and west Seattle’s loss, but I wish her the best and look forward to whatever her next business venture will be.

    Good Luck, Krista!

  • Kristina July 24, 2009 (10:29 am)

    As another mom who struggles with my desire to care for my daughter but maintain an intellectual life or pursue a career, I completely empathize with Ms. Means’ sentiments and struggles. I am sorry to lose one of the prettiest shops in the Junction as well.

  • DW July 24, 2009 (10:40 am)

    Sorry, I don’t buy it.

  • sam July 24, 2009 (11:44 am)

    have browsed there a couple times – beautiful shop so cheery inside and out !
    it will be missed. (even if I couldn’t afford the things there).

  • RR July 24, 2009 (12:07 pm)

    Georgia Blu will be sorely missed. I adored the store and my daughter loved playing in the little play area while I shopped.

    All the best Krista!

  • LS July 24, 2009 (12:27 pm)

    Apparently DW subscribes to the mindest that women who have children should not run a business.

    As a single parent and a business owner for the last nine years, I know how difficult it is to manage both.

    I applaude Krista for making the right decision for herself, her family and her business at this time in her life.

    Last I checked, there was no law that says once you have a business, it must remain open forever.

    Best of luck Krista! We bought one of my daughter’s favorite shirts at GB. It’s too small now but she still wears it. :-)

  • agirl July 24, 2009 (1:31 pm)

    This is sad news. It was the best place to buy gifts, always a lovely selection. You will be missed!!!!!

  • Kara July 24, 2009 (1:57 pm)

    This is what I keep telling myself over and over again whenever I get down about West Seattle: It’s better than Ballard.

    I think our neighborhood manages quite well despite business closures and those that end up occupying those empty spaces usually add to rather than take away.

  • Holli July 24, 2009 (2:25 pm)

    I too will miss such a wonderful business!
    I wish Krista all the best.

  • Annie July 24, 2009 (2:35 pm)

    Krista – wishing you all the best! I have great memories of bringing my newborn son (now 2 years old) into the store to look at cute clothing and breastfeed (your couches were wonderful!). I’ve gotten and received so many gifts from GB. Thanks so much for such a beautiful store – it will be missed.

  • Meghan July 24, 2009 (3:19 pm)

    Too bad. It is such a cute store!

  • Yeah-me July 24, 2009 (3:36 pm)

    As a single mother and business owner I completely understand how Krista has run out of time. First of all (DW) she now has three children instead of two; and as the mother of a seven year old I am constantly amazed at how full her little schedule is (school, friends, pets, dancing, etc..).
    Best of luck Krista! Your store was a very, very nice contribution to West Seattle over the last several years.

  • Dreamland July 24, 2009 (4:20 pm)

    I don’t know how anybody could juggle all that! It makes me tired even trying to think how she did it. I have to say, it is a lovely place, and it was great that she would have regional artists/craftspeople’s work for sale there as well.

    Indeed 3 spaces closing in the Junction is not the revolving door that is now Ballard; so let’s keep supporting what is here and hopefully it’ll continue to buck trends overall.

  • blue about Georgia Blu July 24, 2009 (9:16 pm)

    I am a stay-at-home mom of 1 child and I think its a full days work. With children you find quickly there are choices and often something has to give. I will miss this store so much. It was beautiful inside with beautiful things. I loved buying bows for my daughters hair and special gifts for friends. I am so sad about this store leaving. Hopefully she will come back someday better than ever. boohoo!

  • Mary July 24, 2009 (9:55 pm)

    Georgia Blu is one of the coolest stores in the junction. Thank you for providing a high-quality, kid friendly shop. We bought all of our son’s (3) shoes at your store. They were all stylish, sturdy and manufactured by locals. You have done a great job supporting this community and deserve our thanks regardless of any reason you choose to move on. It’s your right and privilege.

  • Krista July 25, 2009 (1:44 pm)

    So sad for the loss of this store but kuddos to Krista Means for making a difficult decision putting her children first. Best wishes!

  • Jodi July 26, 2009 (12:06 am)

    Krista,

    Congratulations on the success of your store and your family. Thanks for helping make the junction a cool place for the last 2 yrs. It still will be – and I hope you can enjoy it with your family. Thanks for your support of our growing family. You shine.

  • Sydney July 27, 2009 (10:47 am)

    I echo all of the above positive sentiments. When a friend told me of the impending closure my heart sank. I imediately felt guilty for not shopping there more (wow-guilt for not shopping ENOUGH). Now that I have read the letter I still dread the closure, but sympathize with Krista and the crazy demands that we moms try to satisfy. I am just grateful that we got to enjoy Georgia Blu for the time that we had it. Everything I have ever gotten there for my 3 yo, Sally, has gotten a positive comment from someone; I got the coolest Japanese jacket for my nephew, who still adores it more than a year later. We will sort miss the play area and couches. And the fact I was able to perform emergency diaper changes there. Many thanks Krista and much luck and happiness in your life as you make the change.

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