Park City – Local businesses along Main Street in Park City are becoming a rare breed.
The latest mom and pop shop to fold was Rocky Mountain Christmas. The boutique opened its doors 35 years ago. They attracted customers from all over the world who were looking for one of a kind Christmas decorations.
Julianne Rosen-Carone travels the world to fill her store with unique Christmas ornaments and decorations.
“We personalize our ornaments here. It’s kind of what we’re known for,” Rosen-Carone said.
She’s forged life-long relationships with loyal customers.
“People that celebrated as newlyweds back in the 80s, came here to buy their first Christmas ornament and now they’re buying for their grandkids and having them personalized,” she said.
But with rising rent, the store owner can’t afford to keep her doors open.
“Since we moved out of our location up the street two and a half years ago from there to what our new lease would be if we renewed, our rent would practically double from what it was then,” Rosen-Carone said.
Rosen-Carone said more local businesses could fold as well.
“We’ve been told multiple times by companies that, ‘we don’t rent to locally owned businesses.’ I think that definitely is going to change the character of Main Street as you see more name brand stores and chains,” she said.
Alison Kuhlow with the Historic Park City Alliance said she’s sad to see the Main Street staple go. She’s been working with local leaders to ward off other mom and pop closures.
“Where could we add more stores or where could we add more commercial space? Maybe it’s not right on Main Street, maybe it’s just one street over that could be lower rent,” Kuhlow said.
Until then, Rosen-Carone’s customers are cashing in on the last pieces of her treasured collection.
Doors close for good April 25, but you can still get your fix online. They plan to roll out a new website in May.
