Lola’s closing January 31

NORWAY — Lola’s Boutique, a ladies’ fine apparel shop on Norway’s Main Street will close January 31 after two years in business.

Owner Lorrie Bean cites a stagnant economy for poor sales — down nearly 70 percent year-to-year — which led to the decision to shut the doors.

Sales were strong a year ago when Bean moved the business to 434 Main Street, up from 274 Main Street, where Pick a Lily is now.  But after an initial spurt, sales “just died right back off,” Bean says,

“From what I hear from people, for the most part, it’s the economy more than anything else,” she says.  “Right at this moment, I’m not sure I’m feeling too positive.  It’s not so good out here.

“I certainly don’t want to hurt anyone who’s out there trying to make a go of it, but I don’t know if it’s a great business climate right now, to be honest,” said Bean on Tuesday, as she was beginning to draw up her going-out-of-business signs.

For the rest of the month, Bean will liquidate her stock. 

“Hopefully, somebody will decide, just because it’s too warm and they can’t go skiing, to come on in and clean me out,” said Bean, displaying some of her usual good-natured joviality.

Bean plans to move into advertising sales once the shop closes.  She’ll also continue to market her own handmade line of children’s clothing, on the internet, by phone (539-8533), and at local farmer’s markets, where she says she’ll be in her element.

“I really am just an old farmer at heart,” she says, with a laugh.