For ten years, we've had a business buying and selling gently used kid's clothes, toys and equipment. For a long time, I've said that it was much more rewarding emotionally than financially. A few weeks ago I realized there was really no logical reason why we were still open, except that we continued to believe in what we were doing, and our commitment to our customers. We've struggled to pay our rent for several years, but a little over a year ago, the landlord's lawyer told us to "pay up or get out." We were able to work with them and keep going, but fell behind again in September, and on January 8 we were told the landlord wanted us out as soon as possible. Our lease was ending in March anyway, and we were told that the property management company had no interest in having us stay, even though I proposed staying until October and working together to have the best outcome for all involved. It also hasn't helped our sales that they have been remodeling the shopping center since September, taking down all the storefront signs, jackhammering outside our door and periodically blocking the walkways. We can all assume that with the "facelift" they have even higher rent in mind.
Since we announced our closing, we have been amazed at the constant stream of customers expressing their sadness and appreciation of our business. You always hope that those feelings are out there, and we have heard it over the years, but this is a real exaggeration of that word "bittersweet." My staff and I have really loved what goes on within our walls, but it seems the outside (corporate) world has worked against us. I take it as a huge compliment the number of people who have told me that I know what I'm doing and encouraging me. Of all the jobs I've had over more than 40 years, I can truly say this is the best thing I've ever done,
It is sad that this business is such a great concept, and yet has been a poor investment. My wife and I are in a bad financial place right now, and have more debt now than when we started. Any help would be greatly appreciated to help us pay our debts first and put us in a position to start thinking about what to do next.
I think what we've been doing for the last ten years has been so good in so many ways. Despite how it seems sometimes, I believe it was not for nothing. I would love to take this experience, close this chapter, and move on to something even better. I feel there continues to be a great need for what we do, backed up by the fact that hundreds of people have told me that in the last two weeks. Someone told me this shopping center just isn't the place for us. Many have said they really hoped we would open up somewhere else. If I am able to, I would love to do that. Do you know that Gladys Knight song, "I've really got to use my imagination to make the best of a bad situation"?
Since we announced our closing, we have been amazed at the constant stream of customers expressing their sadness and appreciation of our business. You always hope that those feelings are out there, and we have heard it over the years, but this is a real exaggeration of that word "bittersweet." My staff and I have really loved what goes on within our walls, but it seems the outside (corporate) world has worked against us. I take it as a huge compliment the number of people who have told me that I know what I'm doing and encouraging me. Of all the jobs I've had over more than 40 years, I can truly say this is the best thing I've ever done,
It is sad that this business is such a great concept, and yet has been a poor investment. My wife and I are in a bad financial place right now, and have more debt now than when we started. Any help would be greatly appreciated to help us pay our debts first and put us in a position to start thinking about what to do next.
I think what we've been doing for the last ten years has been so good in so many ways. Despite how it seems sometimes, I believe it was not for nothing. I would love to take this experience, close this chapter, and move on to something even better. I feel there continues to be a great need for what we do, backed up by the fact that hundreds of people have told me that in the last two weeks. Someone told me this shopping center just isn't the place for us. Many have said they really hoped we would open up somewhere else. If I am able to, I would love to do that. Do you know that Gladys Knight song, "I've really got to use my imagination to make the best of a bad situation"?