Shop owners point to online competition as reason for closing

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

When people talk of boosting commercial areas, they usually mention “shops and restaurants.”

The city is losing one locally-owned shop, Purple Dragonfly Boutique, 1462 W. Granada Blvd., in Ormond Towne Square. Owners Gayle Giacobbe and Rebecca Taylor cite competition with online shopping as the reason for closing the 13-year old shop that features apparel, jewelry, accessories, shoes and home décor.

“In today’s environment having a brick and mortar retail store has become very challenging,” they wrote in a Facebook post. “We cannot compete with the vast variety, price point and convenience of online shopping.”

“We cannot compete with online shopping.”

GAYLE GIACOBBE, Purple Dragonfly Boutique

In an interview Giacobbe said shoppers would try on clothes and then buy online so they wouldn’t have to pay sales tax. She believes online shopping affects big box stores as well as mom-and-pop stores.

Their new hours for their closeout sale can be found on their Facebook page. Giacobbe said they expect to close around mid-February.

Giacobbe said they had a blast operating the store, made many friends and appreciate their loyal staff and customers.

She said people should realize how much locally-owned business benefit the area. The profits stay in the community and the businesses support local charities

The store was known for supporting local charities, including Futures Foundation for Volusia schools, breast cancer awareness, United Way, Halifax Humane Society, Halifax Urban Ministries and more. Taylor has served as chairwoman of the Volusia Schools district advisory committee, and Giacobbe was assistant chairwoman for two years.

Asked about future plans, Giacobbe said they don’t know what the future holds.

While other local businesses acknowledge competition from online, some close while others are able to remain open.

Buttleman Sporting Goods Inc. closed its business on N. U.S. 1 in 2015 after 44 years. The owner said big box stores were able to sell the merchandise cheaper, and shoppers would look at his sporting goods and then order online.

My Adornments in Fountainsquare Shoppes on East Granada Boulevard closed last year after 20 years, but it was due to retirement. Owner Laurie Schammel said online shopping was a competitor, but she could have remained open.