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Pittsford’s Beads ’N Things Set to Bid Farewell After 55 Years June 19, 2023 (0 comments)

Pittsford, NY--A landmark in the community, Beads ’N Things, established 55 years ago, has announced its impending closure.

[Image via Democrat & Chronicle]

According to a Democrat & Chronicle report, mother-daughter duo Sheila and Ann Grabowski announced that the shop on 50 State St. in Northfield Common would shut down by the end of August when their lease terminates. However, the final closure date remains undecided.

As per the report, with the onset of their closing sale on June 14, customers have been privy to discounts between 30% and 50%. The rise of digital shopping is a significant reason for the decision, admits Sheila Grabowski.

"The Internet has had a tremendous negative effect on retail stores," she said, per the report. "If everyone is being honest, everyone is feeling this, not just our little bead store. The smaller places are just kind of fading away."

Moreover, escalating business costs and Grabowski's advanced age, at 77, have influenced the decision. However, their online venture, mybeadkit.com, launched in 2014 to sell jewelry-making kits, will continue to operate.

The report noted that Sheila Grabowski, the third owner of Beads 'N Things, took over on November 1, 1984, after a stint in real estate. Over the years, the store has evolved from selling beads primarily to diversifying into a wide array of crafting supplies and then reverting to its original focus, owing to customer demand.

Her daughter, Ann, partnered with her in 2008 after a 12-year career at Xerox. The thought of not seeing her daughter daily saddens Sheila, and she will certainly miss her devoted customers.

The report noted that loyal customers like Lyn Nadeau and Loretta Boerman expressed their sadness over the closure, recounting the store's excellent service over the years.

As per the report, Sheila Grabowski plans to retire while her daughter's future business prospects remain open. The store will continue its regular operations till July 1, with possible changes in store hours expected in July and August.

Learn more in the entire Democrat & Chronicle report.