WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP — United Art and Education, a local school supply store in Washington Township, is closing its doors after 25 years due to rising rent costs.
The store will shut down operations on September 13th, following a 20% closing sale.
The decision not to renew the lease at Washington Park Plaza has left employees like Bailey Hodges, a Senior Associate, shocked and searching for new jobs.
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Hodges, who worked her way up from cashier to senior associate in three years, expressed her surprise at the closure, especially after the store’s successful back-to-school season with over $100,000 in sales.
“It’s been a shock to most of the employees here because we literally just hired two people here, less than a month ago, and now.. We’re gone,” Hodges said.“As of now, I’m just going to keep job hunting. Something to pay the bills to keep myself afloat in the meantime,” Hodges added.
Kaitlyn Schnipke, a mom of three, shared her thoughts on the closure, saying, “Even in a really blessed school, like the one I send my kids to. I pay a lot of money for my kids to go there. They still don’t have enough money to keep their classrooms fully stocked and are asking for support from parents.”
The store’s closure comes right after the peak back-to-school rush, a time when sales are typically highest.
Parents and teachers are taking advantage of the 20% closing sale to stock up on supplies before the store closes.
Schnipke mentioned that she would miss the store, especially for its art supplies and stuffed animals, and is taking advantage of the discounts.
The store’s last day of operation will be September 13th, marking the end of its 25-year presence in the community.
With the closure of United Arts and Education, employees and customers alike are left to find alternatives for their school supply needs.
The impact of rising rent costs has led to the loss of a longstanding community resource.
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