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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
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