CANTON, CT — A popular home decor and gift shop in Canton is closing after flooding damaged the business just as it was preparing for the busy holiday shopping season.
The Home Place, located at 220 Albany Turnpike in the Canton Village Shopping Center, will permanently close, owner Cher Cross announced in a recent Facebook post.
The store, which sells home decor, clothing, books, skincare products, vintage items, and herbal goods, relocated to Canton in spring 2025 after operating for several years in New Hartford and, before that, Riverton.
Cross said the decision to close followed a flooding incident in late September that disrupted operations during a critical time of year for the business.
"This chapter is closing ~ but it's not the end of the book," Cross wrote in her announcement.
Cross explained that she was boarding a flight to Michigan several weeks earlier when she received a phone call informing her that water was flowing out the front doors of her store.
The flooding, caused by a broken floor pipe, forced the business to temporarily close.
The incident came as Cross and her husband, Jeff, were preparing for another significant life change.
Cross said her husband had received an exciting job opportunity that aligned with his passion for team building. The couple had initially planned to travel back and forth while she continued operating the Canton store.
Eventually, Cross said, she envisioned handing the business over to someone else years down the road.
However, the flooding changed those plans.
"The thing about retail is you need the months of October, November and December just to break even," Cross wrote. "We've lost those now. So we will be closing. But we won't say goodbye!"
Cross praised her employees for their efforts to help the business recover from the damage.
"The way they have jumped in to tirelessly work together to save this dream of mine... with so much hard work, passion and love- it has made my heart burst with gratitude!!" she wrote.
Cross also thanked customers who supported the store over the years, including families who brought their children, babies and pets to shop.
"Thank you for being my friend," she wrote. "Thank you for being part of my story, for being part of the greatest adventure of my work life!"
Although the store is closing, Cross said she plans to announce additional opportunities for customers to visit and shop when the business can reopen temporarily.
She said another Saturday Sidewalk Sale is planned, although a specific date was not announced.
Cross did not provide a final closing date.
"I will continue to post when we can be open," she wrote. "I hope you'll join me."
To see The Home Place owner Cher Cross' announcement, click on this link.
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