The Sound of a Heartbeat

Dear friends,

How long is a heart beat sustainable?  Last night I found myself explaining my recent decision to close ZÖE this way: 

Living on life support year after year has become life. Every day you hope she comes back to you.  You have one sided conversations believing she can hear you. She’s drifting away, and you can feel it.  After awhile, the drifting becomes normal.  You forget how beautiful and amazing and vivacious she was.  And even though the heart still beats, you now wait for the last beat so that she can begin her journey to her final destination.  

I defend my business, saying she wasn’t always like this.  Struggling I mean. Before the pandemic my business was growing, thriving, hopeful.

But COVID changed all that. It changed us. I held on and survived the pandemic because I thought when we get to the other side of this, things will be better. But here we are - 4 years later and things are not better. The economy and the impact of many things outside of my control are worsening conditions for recovery. In fact, the metrics confirm this.  And I’m exhausted - financially, mentally, psychologically and physically. 

This year I attempted again to a change the tide with a huge sale. To recover costs so that we could recover and begin anew.  But that goal fell short.  And so in July I succumbed to the inevitable, using the two words I have been avoiding since 2020.

Closing Sale

We know these words all too well, because it’s happening all the time.   To a small business person, it’s a roller coaster of emotions.  I have to admit I’m open to a miracle recovery but that’s just hope talking in the middle of the night.

But we’re going out in style.

I will be offering exclusive shopping by appointment for those in Regina and online shopping.  That way, you get the shoppe to yourself and my undivided attention.  There are no holds and all sales are final.  So if you are shopping online please feel free to ask my advice on sizes, etc.  

To book an appointment with me, or ask for my advice, please reach out to me at lynn@zoesshoes.com or DM me here.  

This is not a long goodbye.  

September 1 2024 is the last day for ZÖE as she joins the legacy of great shoe stores of the past.  

Love,

Lynn