A POPULAR furniture shop has announced a surprise plan to stop trading after 20 years of business.
But the independent store’s emotional owner admitted the tough decision came after “countless twists and turns.”
GettyThe store sells used furniture, home décor, housewares and collectables (stock image)[/caption]
Home2Home is locally-owned and operated and has been selling goods for 20 years in Dayton, OhioGoogle Maps
Kim Passineau, founder and owner of Home2Home in Dayton, Ohio, announced the looming closure last week.
But, it is too soon to know exactly when the shop will shutter, she added.
In a poignant email, Passineau paid tribute to staff and customers, and thanked supporters for “making my dream come true.
“We have met so many wonderful people and will carry the memories with us for the rest of our lives.”
However, she admitted that she had been “struggling the past year to decide if I wanted to take advantage of the five-year extension on my lease at Cross Pointe, or retire and enjoy the fruits of my labor at age 67.”
According to its website, Home2Home is not a franchise and not a chain – “it is the one and only, and is locally-owned and operated.”
The shop has for two decades helped thousands of Miami Valley residents and beyond with the sale of their used furniture, home décor, housewares and collectables, on consignment.
In her message, an emotional Passineau wrote: “After countless twists and turns, I decided it was time to close my precious Home2Home.
“We will shed some tears in the coming days as we prepare to close.
“But they will mostly be tears of pride and happiness in appreciation for all we’ve been able to accomplish with the help of the entire Miami Valley and our wonderful staff!
“It’s not easy to say goodbye!”
Passineau added: “We do not have an exact closing date in mind; it will be sometime in January; once the space is empty.”
For customers with pieces in the shop on consignment, she advised: “Consignors, if you have things in the store do not fret.
“We will sell them yet! If we owe you money, you may come in anytime and get your check at the sale’s counter.”
The store opened on November 1, 2004, in Normandy Square Shopping Center, before moving to Cross Pointe in 2007.
When Bed Bath & Beyond moved to another mall, the furniture consignment store moved next door to the vacant 30,000 square space in 2018, where it has been trading ever since.
On the Home2Home website there’s a message at the top, saying: “We are closing. Thank you for the thrill of a lifetime! It’s been a great 20 years.”
What did the owner of Home2Home say in her farewell message?
Kim Passineau, the founder/owner of Home2Home, shared this moving tribute to staff and customers…
“I have been struggling the past year to decide if I wanted to take advantage of the 5 year extension on my lease at Cross Pointe or retire and enjoy the fruits of my labor at age 67.
“After countless twists and turns, I decided it was time to close my precious Home2Home.
“If you’ve been coming here long, you probably know about Ashley!
“She was my first employee and has been with me every step of the way.
“We have met so many wonderful people and will carry the memories with us for the rest of our lives.
“We will shed some tears in the coming days as we prepare to close, but they will mostly be tears of pride and happiness in appreciation for all we’ve been able to accomplish with the help of the entire Miami Valley and our wonderful staff!
“I’ve said it many times, there’s noone I’d rather have shared this journey with than Ashley!
“IT’S SO EASY to consign, but it’s not easy to say goodbye!
“Thank you for making my dream come true! With sincere appreciation, Kim Passineau Founder / Owner Home2Home.”
Customers have lamented the closure on Reddit – where the owner’s message was shared – with one saying the business had been a “blessing” for the community.
One woman wrote on the platform: “Oh no! I hate to hear this. I have purchased many things over the years from you all.
“I hope you enjoy your retirement! It is much deserved. Will there be a closing sale? Thank you.”
Another said: “This is pretty sad, I really liked them.”
Home2HomeThe store’s website announced the impending closure and thanked customers for a “thrill of a lifetime”[/caption]
And a shopper recalled bagging a bargain in the store: “I got some cherry Amish furniture that retails for 9k for just 1k, including delivery.”
One concerned person suggested she should sell the store, so the service could continue.
They asked: “Are you willing to sell the business? It such a great blessing to the people of Centerville.”
Others praised her decision to close due to retirement – rather than “going out of business.”
RETAIL APOCALYPSE
It comes as other stores in the United States have permanently shut their doors, or are facing closure, such as the Macy’s store in the Salem Center in Oregon.
The chain confirmed on Tuesday that 65 locations will be closing by the end of the fiscal year in February.
Meanwhile, Joann has started liquidation sales of up to 90% after the chain confirmed six stores are closing down after filing for bankruptcy last year.
The popular craft and fabric retailer previously called Jo-Ann Fabrics has been selling for over 80 years, and has outlets in nearly every US state.
https://www.the-sun.com/money/13251584/furniture-store-confirms-closing-liquidation-sales-ohio/