The Chalkboard To Close All Stores After Nearly 40 Years

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Another beloved local business is closing its doors just before the holiday season. The Chalkboard, which has locations in Downers Grove, Aurora, and Joliet, announced Friday that it will close its doors after nearly 40 years in business.

The school supply store announced its upcoming closure in a Facebook post, saying, "After 39 years we are sad to say good-bye!"

They went on to thank their customers, writing that it was their "calling and mission" to "provide our customers with the best selection of educational materials, games and toys for classrooms and home."

Beyond providing products for kids and teachers, The Chalkboard staff say they were grateful to have left an impact on the lives of children. They wrote, "We are thankful for allowing The Chalkboard (and Toy Town A Smart Place For Kids) to be a part of so many teachers', parents' and children's lives."

The End of an Era

"It's the end of an era," a graphic on The Chalkboard's Facebook page announcing its final sales reads.

The announcement that The Chalkboard plans to close brought an influx of "say it ain't so" comments from heartbroken customers who had frequented the stores for generations. One resident wrote, "This is so sad. I told my 5 year old son and he started to cry. The people at The Chalkboard were always so welcoming and helpful."

Another customer wrote, "Remember this as you get on your computers to purchase your holiday gifts this year. Blink and there will be no brick & mortar. Thanks, Jeff Bezos."

That comment could hint that Amazon's popularity, which has led many small businesses to shutter across the country, may have been part of the reason for The Chalkboard's decision to close.

The Chalkboard's team responded by saying, "You are so right."

"Amazon Is Killing Our Communities"

In August, just months before announcing The Chalkboard would close, the school supply store's owners wrote an open letter to their customers about the impact Amazon has had on their business.

They appealed to customers to help their business and others to stay afloat, encouraging them to shop locally.

"Amazon is killing our communities," the owners of The Chalkboard wrote. They went on to mention how businesses both small and large are closing across the U.S.

"Have you noticed the ever-growing number of vacant buildings and retail spaces in strip malls and shopping centers that are being 'shuttered' and going dark?" the owners asked.

"Amazon and other out-of-state online providers have for decades had an unfair competitive advantage by not being require to collect sales taxes, which is another reason they are more price competitive," they wrote.

They added, "Although this does initially benefit the shopper, it more importantly ROBS our communities of much-needed revenue."

Closing Sales

Ahead of its closure, The Chalkboard is offering 50 to 70 percent off of items throughout the store "just in time for Christmas." All sales will be final and are limited to the stock on hand in the store.