Ann Arbor's John Leidy Shop announces February closing after 58 years downtown
The announcement started circulating over the weekend, as the family that owns the John Leidy Shop told customers that it would be closing in February.
The store - located on East Liberty and a 58-year fixture in Ann Arbor - faced a number of challenges in recent years, including changes in how independent home goods retailers access inventory and competition from its vendors, which often sell directly to consumers.
The closing also represents a pending retail vacancy for downtown Ann Arbor near the South State corridor - which is changing quickly these days, thanks to the pending opening of the University of Michigan's North Quad dorm and recent city approval for construction of a CVS drug store behind a historic facade.
The Leidy family - Liz Arsenault, Peter and Ann - didn't want to speak about the closing yet.
But they did send a statement to AnnArbor.com:
"It has been a truly wonderful and fulfilling fifty eight years. The shop, customers, and employees have been a gift to our family. "We understand that many people will wonder “why?” Some factors that led to this difficult decision are changes in how people shop, requirements by suppliers, competition from suppliers that sell directly to the public, and increased freight costs. "We are sad to be closing, and we are grateful for the friendship of our loyal customers and the Ann Arbor community."
Comments
TreeTownGal
Wed, Dec 30, 2009 : 5:25 p.m.
So sorry to see, I too remember the two shops. I'm a born and stayed Ann Arborite. I'm very saddened to see what few places are still in A2 go this past year. JL shops were so special to go into and shop for gifts. Absolutely gorgeous items. I especially remember going only there for our wedding presents to our wedding party. I understand why it's time, but the sadness is still there.
apb
Wed, Dec 30, 2009 : 2:21 p.m.
Leidy's is both a tradition and treasure. I, too, registered for my wedding there, nearly 30 years ago. I am one of thousands who can look at a particular dish or candlestick and remember this wonderful shop. Many thanks to all of those who made Leidy's such a treasured part of Ann Arbor's story.
pooh bear
Wed, Dec 30, 2009 : 10:59 a.m.
I am just so sad about this but not surprised. I have shopped here for many many years and am friends with many of the staff. Their selection of Swedish Xmas ornaments, among other things, is phenomenal. I will miss shopping here and chatting with the owner and her great team. I just wish the whole new way of doing business had not altered my landscape quite this much.
zeeba
Tue, Dec 29, 2009 : 12:52 p.m.
Though I hate to see any small retailer closing, I must admit I've never been aware of John Leidy's, even though I pass through the Liberty/State St. area often and make a point of Christmas shopping downtown each year. From their web site, it looks like they had some interesting stuff. It seems that a lot of these small retailers are relying too much on location and word of mouth and not doing the kind of advertising they need to do to make people aware of them.
Susan Cybulski
Tue, Dec 29, 2009 : 10:54 a.m.
I will miss John Leidy very much. My husband and I registered for our wedding there, rather than one of the big box retailers. Many of our cherished objects came from Leidy's. It was truly one of the things that made Ann Arbor unique. Thank you for your contribution to our community.
B.J. Taylor
Tue, Dec 29, 2009 : 8:57 a.m.
I moved to Ann Arbor in 1952, and shopped in both John Leidy stores. I too remember when John would go back and forth from store to store. Folks would stop him to chat. He was a fine gentleman! The 'perfect gift' could always be found at Leidy's.
Alan Benard
Tue, Dec 29, 2009 : 8:36 a.m.
The new dorm and other student housing further south on Washington will completely transform the State / Liberty retail area. As the rental cost shoots past $40+/sq ft, expect to see fast food places churning storefronts. It will be ugly.
Gail Kimball
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 : 9:24 p.m.
It breaks my heart to hear of the shop closing. John Leidy treated me like a grand lady when I was a 17 year old freshman in 1957 (when other shops nearby decided upon looking at me that I didn't have enough money to shop in their stores). I have loved the store ever since, and really appreciate that the family kept up the same wonderful atmosphere after John passed away. My best wishes to all the family.
A2Susie
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 : 6:38 p.m.
This is very sad news. John Leidy has been one of the rocks of downtown as long as I can remember. I hope I can get back to MI in time to buy a keepsake.
blek
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 : 6:30 p.m.
Thank you to the Leidy family who have put their hearts and souls into this business for generations. Thank you for making our community unique by offering your personal service and high quality products. We will miss you.
mama247
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 : 5:43 p.m.
So sad...... I've lusted after all that exquisite finery for decades, fortunate to have purchased/been given some cherished items. So sad.................
Wystan Stevens
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 : 3:27 p.m.
I remember the good old days, when John Leidy had two stores, on either side of the Michigan Theater entrance. Rain or shine, John would walk back and forth between them, with a big smile on his face. Everybody knew him. I miss him, and his mother, Katherine, the widow of University of Michigan Law Professor Paul Leidy. I saw her at meetings of the Washtenaw Historical Society.
John Galt
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 : 3 p.m.
Unfortunately, we are likely to see many more local businesses close in the months ahead. The economy is not improving and the longer it takes, the more closures we will see.
Doreen
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 : 2:28 p.m.
Dear Liz, I know how much this meant to you and your family and co-workers. To work for this lovely store. Many thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Doreen (Dee Dee)
ArgoC
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 : 2:03 p.m.
That's too bad. John Leidy has always been my first stop when looking for a wedding or graduation gift. (The Caravan shop is usually the second stop.)