Closing up shop in Mohawk
Story Created:
Jun 8, 2009 at 11:42 AM EST
Story Updated:
Jun 8, 2009 at 1:04 PM EST
MOHAWK, N.Y. (WKTV) -The latest victim of the recession is Mohawk's Moose Creek Gift Shop. JoAnn Knopka has owned the shop for nearly two years, but in the last year alone sales have dropped about 50% she said.
The shop itself has been around since 1993 and had been called "Bull Creek" prior to Knopka's purchase of the building. It sits on Warren Road nearly two miles outside of the center of the village, but Knopka says location isn't the problem, a lack of big spenders is.
Before Christmas of 2008, Knopka says customer support was great, but from Christmas to present day it's been a struggle to stay open.
"They'd come in and buy 50 -70 dollars now they will spend 10-15 and mostly they are coming in to get a quick gift for birthday or something like that, but they are not buying stuff for themselves its stuff for other people."
John Scarano, Executive Director of the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce says it's disappointing to see shops like this one go, but hopes it's closure gives a boost to other area gift shops.
Knopka doesn't know exactly when the shop will close, for now she's hoping a "going out of business sale," will help move most of the merchandise.
If sales are very strong over the next few weeks, it's possible the store will stay open but remains unlikely.
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