I hope you will forgive me for the lack of newsletters the last couple of months. My mother, who has been my guiding light all my life, was very ill, and caring for her was my top priority, which meant many other things went by the wayside. Unfortunately, my mother passed away on Monday, January 12th. To say my heart is broken doesn’t begin to express my feelings at this time. Thank you to all who have reached out to offer your condolences. If you knew my mom, you knew she was a very special person who will be missed by many.
As many of you who have followed my journey with The Garden Mill know, I bought the store following the death of my husband 14 years ago, and my mom was my biggest cheerleader during the ensuing years — supporting me, my staff, and the store in so many ways. Now, along with Mom’s passing, another chapter of my life is coming to a close.
After 20 years in business — and almost 14 years under my ownership — The Garden Mill will be closing its doors. This decision has come after much reflection, many difficult conversations, and an overwhelming sense of sadness. The current economic climate has been especially hard on small, locally-owned retail businesses like ours, and despite our very best efforts, it has become clear that we can no longer continue, and frankly, my heart is no longer in it.
To everyone who walked through our doors — whether once or hundreds of times — thank you. Thank you for supporting small business, for sharing your lives with us, and for allowing The Garden Mill to be part of your home and your memories. Saying goodbye feels like saying goodbye to a piece of my heart.
We will be closed for the remainder of the month of January as we finish taking inventory and prepare for the next chapter. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 3rd for our going-out-of-business sales, and we truly hope you’ll come visit us during this time and help us clear out the remaining inventory. Until then, please know how deeply grateful we are for each and every one of you.
With love and gratitude,
Jennifer