Michigan’s economic problems have claimed another victim, this time it’s a downtown crafts business.
Aunt Nan’s Fabrics, located in Oxford at 40 S. Washington St., will close its doors Feb. 21 after nearly three years in business.
Diana Hill-Griggs, owner of Aunt Nan’s, said she’d been considering closing the store since Thanksgiving. ‘Business had been doing well,? she said. ‘The economic downturn in October really hurt the business.?
What made things especially tough for Hill-Griggs is the fact that Aunt Nan’s is a ‘discretionary income? type of business, meaning their products and services aren’t absolute necessities.
She added: ‘A lot of the demographics we work with are retired older people, and part of their income comes from financial markets. We just can’t sustain the business here. I would, though, like to encourage readers of The Oxford Leader to shop and eat locally to support the area businesses.?
In an effort to sell off most of the inventory, the store is conducting a sale until it closes.
Customers have asked Hill-Griggs if she plans to reopen in the future. For her, that remains to be seen. ‘I really believe that whatever God has for me will come to pass,? she said. ‘I will wait for directions.?
One customer who’s disappointed about the closing is Leonard’s Nancy Read, who’s been a patron ever since shortly after Aunt Nan’s opened. Once the shop closes, Read will have to travel to Imlay City or Richmond to meet her quilting and fabric needs.
?[Aunt Nan’s employees] were always very nice and very helpful when you were in the store,? Read said. ‘I will miss them and wish them all the best.?
According to her website www.auntnansfabrics.com, Hill-Griggs did market research and took a financial risk to follow a dream and open the shop. Hindsight being 20/20, would she do it all over again?
‘I have absolutely no regrets,? she said. ‘It was the right thing to do at that time. We have wonderful people here and that’s what we’ll miss the most.?