In the last business weeks of the faded awning, the emotions for the owner Cathy Allen and her team were high. Their customers were similarly sentimental because some had been shopping at La Jolla Store for almost 15 years.
“In the first few days of the [closing] Sale, everyone cried, ”said Allen. “The customers cried and I hide in the back room because I'm so sad. But every day that passed, it got a little better.
“There was actually a week in which I don't believe that I cried. But I cried today. “
Until his closure on January 31, the faded awning, an interior business, was a steady presence in Girard Avenue and sold an eclectic mix of furnishings with a nautical topic, clothing, dishes, TOS, shells and linen. It had “almost everything you could imagine … alongside food and swim suits,” said Allen.
When it opened, the faded awning was comparable to a “farmhouse by the sea” and “more of a group business”, which the article sold by several providers. Over time, part of his make -up changed.
“We started selling more and more furniture that were new … but [the store’s] The personality has never changed, ”said Allen. “In the 15 years I had some of the most beautiful girls who worked for me. And they have all become a family. “
But after everyone suffered a seizure in September, her family encouraged her to move away from work. A business that they believed was an important source of stress.
Allen did not use this term, but advocated keeping the business open for one last holiday season.
“All of my girls knew from that time,” said Allen. “We just said:” Well, we have all this back room full of Christmas things that has already come in. “So I told my family that you have to give me until January. '”
In the first week of October, the business showed its last group of decorations with Christmas motifs. It also organized the last open day – an annual event with wine and catering food, usually on the first Thursday in December. All said that these meetings were often highlights of their term.
The inventory of the faded awning went back to the point in the next few months that only six items were not sold. In the week after the closure, everyone and some employees were in the shop, moved boxes and concluded paper stuff.
Allen lived in La Jolla for 32 years before moving to Encinitas with her husband Roger eight years ago. The inspiration for what would be the faded awning came on a journey that she and a friend went to France.
In two weeks in September 2009, she visited and a dozen fellow travelers on a tour a different place every day, from Paris to the south of France. She noticed something in one of the small cities.
“We sat in a small café and looked across the street and there was a really sweet little shop,” said Allen. “I said it [my friend] 'Let's go in there. Let's take a look at this shop. '”
When she rummaged in the shop, she thought I could do that. “
The faded awning was opened in May 2010.
Previously, everyone worked in retail in their junior year. Before she opened her business, she showed her work in the Girard Avenue Collection, which had been closed since then, which belonged to her colleague Shannon Turner.
What started as 10 times 10 feet foot soon took up a fifth of the shop, said Allen. With a strong locals, she was “lucky” to start her new business, she said.
One of the most difficult parts in closing her business, she said, was to say goodbye to the municipality of La Jolla.
“I would come here every day … and I would work … see the girls who work here, my friends and … see the customers,” said Allen. “It was just great. Everything I could think of this last week was: I won't come down here. I will not see anyone. 'It was very sad and scary. “
Many people turned to them to stay in touch. Although she said she hoped that you can catch up in the future: “I just feel a big loss.”
Kris Bailey, a faded member of the awning, was connected to the business 2½ years ago and said she had seen the effects on the community.
Bailey was retired at the age of 53 after being taught at the Francis Parker School in San Diego. With her newly open schedule, she was looking for a new job where she could see people and speak to people while maintaining flexible hours. The faded awning fit perfectly.
“It was just a great experience to work in such a beautiful business-said Bailey.” Everyone was nice and it was wonderful. “
The last week, she said, was “sad and happy” – happy because the customers gathered for everyone and showed their appreciation for the shop, and sad because she couldn't work there again.
Everyone said that travel and time with their family were at the top of their priority list. After a stay in Bend, Ore ♦