End of an era

Key Westers's awoke to the sad news Thursday morning that Duval Street icon, "Fast Buck Freddie's Department Store" would be closing it's doors after 27 years in business. The owners cite that the retail market has changed with customers scanning products with their IPhone to find the same merchandise at lower prices. The brick and mortar retail market has changed and it will be a sad day in America when all of the privately owned boutiques stores have to close their doors. Duval Street will be forever changed as the next tenant will most likely be a major chain retailer that can be found in any mall, anywhere in America. If you love a small shop, please try to make a purchase in it. Yes, you might be able to save five or ten dollars by purchasing online but is that really how you want to make all future purchases? Is there no value to be had by talking to the shop clerk, handling the merchandise and perusing merchandise on a rainy day?

At Garden Cottage we strive to have merchandise available at every price point. We sell this adorable kitchen towel for $6.75.

This one with the chickens sells for $5.75.

It's not alot of money but these small sales can determine the fate of a retail shop. So the next time you are in a shop and you leave saying, "I love your shop", please leave with a purchase in hand, no matter how small.

Happy gardening...
Dominique