Another popular business in The Villages is calling it quits as the nation continues to wrestle with the Coronavirus pandemic.
Texas-based Pier 1 Imports announced Tuesday that it will close all of its 540 stores across the country. That apparently includes the location in the Rolling Acres Plaza in The Villages, which has proven to be a favorite among Villagers who for years have shopped at the stores known for imported wicker chairs, scented candles, exotic furniture and other items.
Pier 1 stores across the country have been temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year and was unsuccessful in finding a buyer. Stores that are beginning to reopen are expected to have going-out-of-business sales in the near future.
On Wednesday afternoon, customers were peering in the windows of the local store at 610 N U.S. Hwy. 27/441. A sign on the door said the store was temporarily closed and encouraged customers to visit the company’s website. But another sign in front of the location said it would be opening Friday from noon to 7 p.m.
A manager at The Villages location stuck her head outside the door and promised the store was preparing to reopen. She said she didn’t know if there would be any kind of special sales but she planned to stay open as long as the corporate office would allow her to do so.
Popular restaurant chain Sweet Tomatoes also announced earlier this month that it was shutting down all of its eateries. Like Pier 1, the Sweet Tomatoes restaurant in the Lady Lake Crossings shopping center was a favorite among Villages residents.
