Couple Says Bye to Just-a-Buck in Newtown

Ten years after coming to the Sand Hill shopping plaza, Jim and Toni Glynn have decided to close their popular Just-a-Buck franchise store in order to have more time for their family.

"It's hard because we've been a part of the community for so long," Toni Glynn, 57, said this week.

The store, which is set to close Sept. 29 when its lease runs out, is having a closeout sale – each item is selling this week for $.80 rather than $1. The discount already is leading to brisk business as loyal customers swing by the store to say goodbye and check out the dwindling inventory.

"Ever since we put that sign up, it's been hopping," Glynn said of the steady stream of customers.

At one time the couple ran two different Just-a-Buck franchises but then they decided to close down the Danbury one in 2006. The couple had looked into selling the Newtown store but the sale fell through and with the lease about to run out, the Glynns said they decided they would just close up shop.

Although the Newtown store is profitable and could continue operating, Toni Glynn said she is looking forward to getting a job with regular hours that will allow her to spend more time with her family.

"I want to find something that doesn't consume my time, seven days a week," she said.

Part of the store's draw is its cleanliness and neat organization, a setup that requires constant attention. The work has paid off in the form of customers who continue to come back, Glynn said.

"If something is disorganized, they may not want to come back," she said of customers.

In addition, the store has tried to cater to community needs, providing discounted supplies to school groups and others, Glynn said. The store is best known for its party favors, balloons as well glasses, all of which cost just a buck.

"It's my favorite dollar store," said Nora Lundgren, 50, of Newtown, who was picking up foam rods this week to turn into croquet sticks for students at Children's Adventure Center where she teaches.

Lundgren said the store is neat and that is one draw for her when evaluating stores.

"If it's a mess, I don't go back," she said.

When Lundgren learned that the store was going out of business, she decided she had to check it out.

"I better check it out before it goes, and it's going fast," Lundgren said.