Sign of the times?

Sad news today. I was taking a look online at my LQS's site to see if they had any new and interesting classes for the month. January had nothing new so I paged forward to February. The entry on the 28th said "Last day of business". WHAT????

I immediately called the store. The gal that answered confirmed what I read but she said January 31st would be the last day. I told her what the website said and she said that was the owner being positive - saying they could last until February 28th. She said it was just decided this past weekend when they had finished with the year-end inventory.

I am going to go by there before the week is out and see the owner. I want to convey my sadness, my condolences to her as well as offer some encouraging words for her. I wonder if they have a sign like this in the window.

There was no mention of a sale on the site or by the gal who answered the phone. Maybe they are just sending it all back to the manufacturers? Maybe someone else is buying the inventory? Maybe the employees divided it all up amongst themselves?? I have no idea.

The store was not very big but the owner always had a good mix of fabrics. She had some of the latest and greatest, not always an entire line but then she would have a few prints that I had never seen before. The staff was helpful and friendly and funny. I guess that 'member' key chain that I purchased this past fall (and good for a full year) will be a collector's item in another month. I am bummed. I can only imagine how the owner and the staff feel.

Prayers - for the owner and staff of the LQS. That if they need to work they would be able to find employment. For them to rely upon the Lord for their needs, to trust in Him for their future.