By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Crimson Ridge announced this morning that it would close its upstairs retail shop and return to its roots as a flower shop.
The longtime seller of flowers, gifts and other merchandise at 735 N. Perryville Road made the announcement via Facebook and in radio and print advertisements.
Crimson Ridge opened in March 1995 as a flower shop and grew over the years into source for many other types of gifts.
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All employees at the two-level store will stay on board, but they’ll transition to the flower shop located on the ground level. However, Crimson Ridge owner Kip Hartsfield and longtime employee Cristy Giacone will semi-retire.
“We’ve enjoyed being part of your families and your memories,” the company wrote on Facebook. “After 25 years, Kip and Cristy have decided to semi-retire.”
The statement attracted immediate attention on social media, with hundreds of interactions, comments and shares. It also prompted the official city of Rockford government page to thank Crimson Ridge for its time in business. “Thank you for being a staple in our community for more than 25 years,” it wrote.
You can read Crimson Ridge’s full statement below:
It isn’t clear when the transition will be complete. Hartsfield said there’s no set timeline. No plans for the upstairs space have been announced.
The buildings at 695 and 735 N. Perryville Road were sold by Fieldman LLC for $3.8 million to Lemont-based Goich Wabick LLC in late December, according to Winnebago County Clerk and Recorder’s office records.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.