‘Finders’ gift shop to close

This was the final Christmas season for Finders, a Mercer Island fixture for 30 years. The quaint gift shop owned by Judy Olson will close forever on Jan. 15 due to the strain of the recession.

“It’s the economy,” Olson said. “Since the middle of 2008, it’s been going down. The last couple of years have been really tough.”

Finders has been in its current location for five years, but in the same building since 1970. The shop is located at 7605 S.E. 27th St.

Olson said she will be closed through Jan. 5 for inventory and to prepare for the closing sale. The sale will run Jan. 6-8 and Jan. 13-15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily, with everything in the store 50 percent off. Fixtures and displays will be for sale as well.

“The best part of this job has been getting to know so many wonderful people,” Olson said. “Thank you, Mercer Island, for a really good run!”

Olson plans to retire to Vashon Island. She doesn’t have any big plans, but she plans to enjoy her gardening.

Finders has featured goods by many local artisans who will now have to find a different venue for their goods.

Other businesses that have closed on the Island in 2010 include Glisten and Island Sun tanning salons, Katan Children’s Toy Store, Hollywood Video, Expressions hair salon, and Marquise Fine Jewelry, which is now located in Seattle. Anise Thai has opened in the space that was previously occupied by Northwest Thai.

Contact Mercer Island Reporter Reporter Linda Ball at lball@issaquahreporter.com.

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