WICHITA — After almost three decades in business, Journey Books & Gifts is closing, but there’s a chance it may reopen later in another space.
“For all of us little businesses, I think it’s probably a bit of a struggle over these last couple of years,” says owner Valerie DuGay.
She describes the store, which is at 120 N. Hillside, as a new age shop that sells books and gifts related to meditation and Native American and ancient cultures.
DuGay says she’s leaving because her landlord is taking back the space. She wants to reopen at some point, but she’s going to wait because of the economy. DuGay also is pondering whether to change the shop, such as making it online only or perhaps adding consignment to bring in more customers.
“I am thinking of different things.”
In the meantime, she says her longtime customers are disappointed.
“They’re all heartbroken,” DuGay says. “They all try to be very helpful.”
She says they’re offering suggestions on where she could move, but DuGay says it’s difficult to find affordable space, especially in the central part of the city where she wants to remain.
“When you have a small specialty store, you just never bring in enough money.”
As soon as DuGay makes a decision, and as soon as there’s a deal for a new tenant in her space, we’ll let you know.