A beloved store in Lafayette, California’s Fiesta Square shopping center is shutting its doors after 48 years in business.
No, this isn’t a local restaurant. It’s not a clothing store or boutique. In fact, it’s not conventional at all.
The store that’s shutting down is Clocks Etc. As the name suggests, this stalwart of downtown Lafayette has been selling and repairing clocks for the better part of five decades.
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by clocks–lots of them!
They line every surface, cover every inch of wall space, and make for a joyfully chaotic retail experience.
Clearly, given the longevity of Clocks Etc, they’ve also made for a winning business model.
It will be sad to see Clocks Etc go. But we’re very happy to learn more about the reasons for the closure.
According to a sign posted on the window of the store, Clocks etc. wasn’t driven out by high rents or other factors. The owners, Scott and Wendy, have simply decided to “transition to a slower-paced life” after many decades of serving the community.
The note shares how Scott opened Clocks, Etc. in 1976 in a 400-square-foot space on the east end of Lafayette. Over the years, the store expanded, moving to its current 2,600-square-foot space in the heart of downtown in 1999.
Since then, it has sold and serviced thousands of clocks.
There’s more good news, too. The note explains that Scott will continue to repair clocks in an off-site location. So if you have a clock that needs a little TLC, Clocks Etc is still there for you.
The note ends on a positive, well, note.
The owners say: “We’ve loved being a part of this very special Lafayette community where small businesses are embraced. Please continue to support small businesses as well as make an effort to support your schools and non-profits and give back to the community in any way that you can.”
Want to do that? Check out some of the other, new small businesses that have opened in Lafayette recently! There’s Little Seeds, El Talpense, the Breakfast Club and more, and that’s just within walking distance of Clocks etc.
Of course, you can also support this small Lafayette business by joining our free 925 News newsletter!
Hi Tom and co.,
This most important fact of the Clos store article is either missing or I missed it. When is it closing?
Thank you, AC in the dub-C