Quirks of Art and its sister gallery store, The Sideshow will close its door in the next few months.
The shops were known for handcrafted art work, whimsical curiosities and other handmade items, according to the shops’ respective Facebook pages.
In an email blast, Jennifer Raines, the owner of Quirks announced both stores would close, her decision not to renew the leases, as well as closing sales and future plans.
“We have some big news,” she wrote after thanking her family and friends for their support for the past 15 years. “After communicating with our landlords at Quirks & The Sideshow, I have declined additional 3-year lease commitments and have chosen to close both of these physical locations at the end of our current lease terms.”
“There are many reasons behind this decision, some come from my many years of retail experience, and others come from a more personal place,” she added.
Raines noted the high rent, estimated at $950,00 throughout the years and higher sales tax doesn’t “jive” with her goals and on a personal note, her partner Steve Rose had a stroke and she has been caring for him in the ICU, something which has brought back some unresolved emotional trauma for Rainer.
“Last year, I lost my Dad and 17 years ago, I lost my mother to a stroke,” Raines said. “It was the catalyst that spurred me to leave my corporate job and start my own business in the first place.”
“Before she died, I promised my mom, that in her memory, I would relentlessly pursue my dreams and stay true to myself,” she said. “In fact, the day she died, I wrote her a list of promises – the originals were buried with her and the copies have hung in my office since.”
“It’s amazing how, even though I and my business have grown and evolved infinitely over the last 15 years, I still feel like I am emotionally right back where I started,” she added.
While the gallery locations will close, the Kinks & Quirks online store will continue to be open, 24-7, Raines said.
Future plans for Raines include continuing her and her manager, Kendra Law’s Lipstick & Chrome venture as well as a new business called Spoke & Art Provisions Company, which Raines co-owns with Rose.
Rose also co-owns CultureFix with Raines.
“I want my business to continue to feed my creative spirit, to be a ‘place’ that I love to put my soul into, and to continue to inspire and bring others joy,” Raines said. “I have the means to do all of this, but to continue it is important to have the freedom and flexibility to do so.”
“It’s gonna be magical, I can’t wait to show you,” she said.
The Quirks of Art, 423 Prince George St., will close Feb. 24. For now, it’s open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Everything is marked anywhere from 25 to 75 percent off and fixtures are available for purchase.
The Sideshow, 221 N Boundary St., will close April 25 — it’s open Monday through Friday by appointment only; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Everything is 25 percent off and fixtures are also available for purchase.
All sales are final for both stores. For more information about either store follow their respective Facebook pages here: Quirks of Art and The Sideshow or email info@kinksandquirks.com
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