closing the store but not closing the business

It's been an interesting couple of weeks since the announcement of my retirement and the closing of the store. Most everyone has been supportive, and other grandmothers have been 100% behind me. I've heard things like "you'll never get this time back with the grandchildren;" "I would do exactly the same thing if I were in your situation;" "carpe diem;" and my favorite, "you GO girl!" While friends and customers alike are on my side about this, some are also downright sad that the store will no longer be a presence on Main Street. And that's when I explain that I'm closing the store, but I'm not closing the business.

Many ask why I'm not selling the business, so that it could stay on Main Street and continue to be a magnet for those who love handcrafted jewelry. I try to explain that it wouldn't be the same if someone else owned it -- different taste, different choices in artists, different customer service. And honestly, I'm not done with it just yet. I want to continue to seek out interesting work and build relationships with artists across the country. I even want to continue doing the books! I just don't want to do that with the responsibility of managing a brick and mortar store, unable to travel to see family, friends and the world, whenever we want.

So instead JOOLZ, the Main Street store, will morph into The JOOLZ Collection, an online shopping experience where you'll find familiar JOOLZ artists and some new ones, too. Same design decision-maker, same excellent customer service, same wide range of prices and styles. You'll be able to find new treasures and I'll be able to live a new life that allows us more travel freedom. It'll be a win-win.