Cavanaugh's Plans to Close Saturday

With four days remaining until closes its doors for the final time, merchandise is being offered at 50 to 75 percent off. Invitations, greeting cards and office supplies are what remains in the small store that specialized in formal invitations. 

Owner Connie Bukowski has gradually increased the percent of savings and decided this week will be the store's last. "It just has to come to a close," she said. 

At the end of the business day Saturday, she will lock the doors to the public for the final time and then spend Sunday and Monday clearing out the last of what's left, she said. 

She's hoping to sell more of her fixtures and large items, which includes a color copier and related supplies, before closing. The fixtures include some custom made cabinets, glass tiered shelving, tables, office chairs, an office cubicle and spinning card stands.

Bukowski has sent her customers two emails alerting them of the deals, posted an ad on Craigslist, announced the closure sales through the Chamber of Commerce and the Village Association, she said.

Bukowski, who helped open the store more than 25 years ago, said hundreds of residents and customers flocked into the store three weeks ago. Many stopped in to express their sorrow about the store closing, she said.

A wide variety of factors contributed to the decline, including a sharp decline in foot traffic in the Village, the and the related parking lot and the bad economy, Bukowski said. The store has not been doing well for a while and Bukowski made the final decision after hearing from her accountant about the state of the financials.

Bukowski is sad to be leaving and was not ready to close up shop. She is thankful for the many loyal customers who became more like friends over the years. 

"Grosse Pointe has a special thing in the Villlage," she said, noting the need for residents to support the local stores. "I really hope it's still here in 10 years or even five."

Cavanaugh's will be closing less than a month after Borders closed at the opposite end of the three-block business/shopping district. Borders remains empty as the Ann Arbor based company proceeds through bankruptcy proceedings. 

The store will close on the same day the Village Association is holding its annual Paint-The-Window contest with kids from the community.