Cavanaugh's in the Village to Close

One month after 25th anniversary in the Village, owner Connie Bukowski has plastered her storefront with signs announcing its closure. The small post office inside will remain.

The shop known for invitations, office supplies, gifts and most recently Vera Bradley, simply isn't getting enough business, Bukowski said. Over the years, she said, foot traffic in the area has dwindled.

Despite having very loyal customers, many of whom have become more like friends, traffic just wasn't there, Bukowski said. 

Her decision to close wasn't easy; however, after hearing feedback from her accountant and completing the worst year she's seen in the shop's history, the time had come, she said. 

Two of the hardest things she's ever had to do include calling Mrs. Cavanaugh, the store's namesake, and hanging up the going out of business sign Wednesday in the storefront. 

"I enjoy what I do," Bukowski said. "I didn't expect this to happen to my store ... It's just hard. It's very difficult."

Bukowski opened and managed the store for the Cavanaughs. She purchased it more than five years ago. Business had been suffering for some time, but certain strategies seemed to help considerably, such as adding Vera Bradley in February 2009 after Something Special on the Hill closed. 

She also added several popular, well-known products that sold well, including handmade cards and gifts. But it still wasn't enough.

Bukowski doesn't like to admit it, but she says her store became one of the statistics. 

"When Kroger's closed it was devastating for our little store," she said of the nearby grocer that had temporarily shut its doors during a renovation.

Bukowski described the atmosphere in the store Wednesday "like someone died. It's just awful."

As she works to close the store, Bukowski is working with the on the Hill to ensure brides will receive their orders and not have any interruption or problems.

Though she is sad for her own business, Bukowski is hoping other businesses in the Village are pulling through.

"It's an awakening for me but also for everyone else too," she said. "People have got to start shopping here if (they) want businesses to stick around."

Her announcement came Wednesday, the same day closed its doors for the final time.

Village Association President Mike Kramer, who also owns and operates , said the loss of Cavanaugh's is sad, noting his surprise in seeing the signs Wednesday.

Business has been particularly difficult during the first quarter of this year for many in the Village in part because of the lengthy winter and in part because of the later date for Easter, he said.

"I'm sorry to see her close," Kramer said. "It's a unique service that was offered with invitations ... ."

He believes the loss of the only store that specialized in invitations and screen printing will impact the traffic in the Village. The space would be ideal for another local independent business, he said.

"Since September 2008, when the world changed, I'm surprised we didn't have more stores close up and down the street," he said. "I suppose we should consider ourselves lucky in that sense."

Bukowski said she will close the store by the end of April or beginning of May after completing sales of the remaining inventory. She plans to price the fixtures in the store this weekend so those too can be sold and removed. 

The doors will remain open after the store closes as the U.S. Post Office located near the back of the store will remain there and be fully operational, Bukowski said. Bukowski and Kramer said this decision is a good one for the Village as both noted it brings traffic into the downtown business/shopping district. 

Unsure of what she'll do after the store is closed, Bukowski said before she tries to start anything new she'll take a bit of a break.