After a big downsize earlier this year, Not A Number Cards & Gifts must move.
In an email sent to us by owner Kara Ceriello, the landlord in their building recently told them that they could not store anything, “which for a retail business is pretty much impossible,” she writes, which means they’re being forced to move.
They would like to stay in Wallingford and are trying to figure out how to rent the Terra Hemp space at 4419 Wallingford Ave N, which is closing the end of the month. If Wallingford doesn’t work out, she has been looking in other neighborhoods. “Ballard wants us since they have no card store now, or Archie McPhee,” she says.
FROM NOT A NUMBER'S OWNER:
while it's definitely impossible to run a retail biz without any storage for merchandise (unless the space is huge), finding this out AFTER all the downsizing makes it problematic for us to stay in this space much longer. the thing is, we used the back hallway for shelving for 5.5 years, even tho the landlord says we weren't supposed to. (?) but we didn't actually say he's forcing us out immediately, which is sorta what it sounds like. the new (yes, well after the original move into a cozier space!) knowledge of “zero storage” does force us to look elsewhere.
we've been in this building longer than any business for probably at least 30 years. but all the wonderful, supportive members of the community who know we've been looking elsewhere have said “we'll follow you wherever you go!” which shows how much heart is in our community. (MWAH, wallingford!)
love to stay here in our 'Hood That Could (as coined by Jon a couple yrs ago) – any business we'd be near would benefit from our large following. anyone know of a space here? or a fellow small business who would share space? (like Metropolis in Greenwood did, who once had another card shop in Wallingford Center)
and re Terra Hemp: everyone go give them some business as they go online only for now. nice owner, nice manager, a great biz too!
we would love to move there, but … (to be cont'd)
Your blog was a great read! I didn’t think a moving blog would be this interesting but you made it work.