EDGEBROOK — After seven years in Edgebrook, Inspired Boutique will close at the end of April.
The owners of the shop at 5308 W. Devon Ave. announced the closure in a Wednesday Facebook post. The store’s last day will be April 28. Until then, everything in the boutique is 50 percent off.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of Inspired Boutique at the end of April. An increase in rent has made it economically unsustainable to keep our storefront open,” the owners said in the Facebook post. “We are deeply grateful to our wonderful customers, family and friends for your support over the past 7 years! We truly love our community!”
Sang Lee, a representative for Inspired Boutique’s landlord, said rent increased after property taxes went up last year.
Liz Weber, the owner of Inspired Boutique, said she has been “trying to sustain for the past year and a half” as costs increased and customers curbed their spending.
“Over the past few years, the cost of everything went up, and I really try to keep my prices the same,” Weber said. “People are also just spending less right now. That definitely has taken a toll.”
When Weber’s lease ended in December, she entered a month-to-month rental agreement, she said.
Weber, who lives in the area with her family, said she opened Inspired Boutique because she felt like Edgebrook needed a local shop where neighbors could buy clothes and gifts.
“There have been boutiques in the past and they’ve come and gone,” Weber said. “I figured I’d give it a shot.”
Though she expected the store to struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic, Weber said neighbors rallied around Edgebrook’s local businesses.
“The community’s been awesome,” Weber said. “That’s why I’ve held on as long as I have.”
Inspired Boutique, which offers clothing, accessories, housewares and gifts, has been an active member of the Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce and the Everyday Edgebrook organizations. The store will still participate in Everyday Edgebrook’s annual Art and Wine Walk April 27.
Weber said she may “regroup” in a year or so and look into opening another store in the area.
“People in the neighborhood, have been very, very supportive. I think it’s just the times,” Weber said.
Inspired Boutique is open noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday until April 28.
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