A sad loss for Champaign.
Owner Sally Mundy posted a touching explanation in a Facebook post yesterday:
So what happened? I don’t know, TBH. I thought the store had hit a real stride, but then starting in August, it felt like the bottom dropped out and it hasn’t recovered since. I hoped the holidays would be a kick in the pants and I could maybe revive it. But sales have remained way below average compared to prior years still, at this time.
So, I’ve tried very hard. But I must let it go now. Rumours has been my baby for the last three years. I sometimes still walk in the store and think “dang, I can’t believe I built something so beautiful” (to me, at least). I love it and I will miss it very much.
I want to thank first and foremost my parents – Bill and Teri – they believed in this dream and helped me build it. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders and my best customers. I could not have done this without them. Thank you so much Mom and Dad.
I also want to thank all my dear friends. They believed in me and celebrated all the ups and listened through the downs. I could not have done this without all of you either. Thank you – you know who you are.
And finally, I want to thank everyone who ever bought a hat from me. Especially my ‘regulars’ who I know love Rumours as much as I do. And I want to thank all the many new friends I made through the store who just popped in now and then just to “see how I’m doing.” You know who you are and thank you – you reminded me (having just moved back to IL from NYC) why Midwest people are the best people, my people.
As for me – I am working on a new business venture so stay tuned for an announcement in January. Some of you might like it, but I want to be clear – it will NOT be like Rumours. I will be moving out of 75 E. Chester St. and trying to sell the inventory to the public in the coming weeks. If you want fedoras, your last chance to get them from me is NOW. A post with more logistics will follow this one, including info about a huge store-wide sale that will begin immediately.
Thank you and much love,
Sally
Rumours Hat Shoppe
Photo from Facebook