Updated Aug. 16 at 1:13 p.m.
will join the growing list of .
The shop, located at 20297 Patio Dr., sells handcrafted and commercial items by local vendors. It announced on a sign in its window last week that it would be closing its doors on Sept. 30 — almost two decades after opening in 1993.
Renee Petitti told Castro Valley Patch that the two main reasons for the shop's closure are the poor economy and the extensive construction on Castro Valley Boulevard.
"I'm going to miss everything about it," she said. "For over the last 20 years we've been in business, we've had extrememly loyal customers."
She added that the Castro Village Shopping Center has worked with her in trying to keep the shop open.
The shop has about 80 Vendors who rent out a space or section of the store to sell their crafts. They also volutarily take turns working at the shop throughout the week.
Judy Fabris, who specializes in sewing items, says she'll miss the camaraderie among the vendors of this craft shop co-op.
"We're just close-knit, almost family," she said. "We all appreciate each other's talents and that's what's unique."
From hand-made crafts and clothing to baked goods and vintage jewelry, the shop holds a large selection of gift items.
"It's cute and I had plans to come back," said shopper Audrey Young from Washington, who was looking for a wedding present to buy her daughter. "I'm really sad to hear them close. I'll have to buy baby stuff now."
Vendor Mary Anne Milnek has sold her purses and totes at the shop for the past two years. She along with many other vendors are half-pricing and reducing their items.
"Get your Christmas shopping done early this year," she said.
Milnek said she found another local shop — off Hesperian Boulevard — to sell her bags at.
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