TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A local store specializing in handmade jewelry and personalized gifts will be closing its doors for good this weekend.
Blue Abaco announced on Monday that the store's final day of business will be July 22.
In a letter, the owners of Blue Abaco wrote that the property where the store is currently located was bought by the Drury Hotel Group.
Citing high costs for relocation and rent as well as ease of access concerns, the company stated that "it is with great sadness that we make the decision to close Blue Abaco."
The business, which was established in 1999, says that some of its vendor lines will be transferred to Sweet Blue and Cape Harbor, which are both owned by the same people as Blue Abaco.
The owners seem optimistic for the future, writing, "We want our customers to be able to try on, touch and feel the merchandise they are spending their hard earned dollars on and to do so in a bright, uplifting environment.
You can read the full letter here:
It's Hard to say Good-Bye.
As many of you know the property where Blue Abaco is located was sold to the Drury Hotel Group.
We delved deep as we tirelessly looked for the perfect new location. We analyzed current sales trends and hunkered down to come up with breakthrough ideas to keep local traffic flowing through our doors. We have always offered health care and company incentivized retirement plans for our associates, but those too have come with high costs. At peak times we employ over 42 people at our locations.
Yes, new locations are available however; there was always the high rent factor, the high cost of relocation, the ease of access and the limited parking for customers to consider. We wanted it to be perfect for you. Furthermore, the steer away from shopping local and the increase in online shopping left us with a decision
we didn't want to have to make.
So it is with great sadness that we make the decision to close Blue Abaco.
All of us at Blue Abaco would like to thank all of our wonderful, loyal customers who have supported us for over 18 incredible years. Established in 1999! Wow, time flies when you have such fun customers that become family!
You embraced our growth and participated in confetti filled events as we grew from jewelry displays in our living room to the boutique we reside in now.
Many of you still have original bracelets with your children's or grandchildren's names in sterling silver blocks or hand made jewelry from the "Bead Store”. I can tell you with certainty that each and every one of those items was handmade and or curated with love. We thank you for allowing us to be part of your memories.
Blue Abaco’s final day of business will be July 22, 2017.
Storewide liquidation is in effect.
Come enjoy the drastic markdowns to help us close this chapter. Our loss is your benefit during this closing.
Some of our vendor lines will be transferred to Sweet Blue and Cape Harbor and we would love to continue to be your source for all of your personalization needs including monogramming, engraving and vinyl.
With your support we hope to continue Sweet Blue and Cape Harbor.
We want our customers to be able to try on, touch and feel the merchandise they are spending their hard earned dollars on and to do so in a bright, uplifting environment.
Thank you again! We hope you see you just down the street at our other stores!
Our Best,
Sue & Scott
