UPDATE: We just learned of a third business that will be closing. Brown Eyed Girl — A Funky Boutique. Please see the notice below. We have updated this article accordingly.

Three longtime fixtures on Main Street in Annapolis will be dark in 2019. Eye On Annapolis has learned that the Annapolis Running Shop (10 years), Brown Eyed Girl–A Funky Boutique (13 years) and WR Chance Jewelers (69 years) will be closing right after the New Year.

Annapolis Running Shop posted the following on their Facebook page a few hours ago:

Earlier this afternoon, we learned about WR Chance. We did speak with an employee who said part of the decision to close was due to increased competition from online merchants. WR Chance notified their customers via a letter dated December 5th.

Brown Eyed Girl made the announcement on their Instagram and Facebook feeds.

Between these three stores, they represent nearly 100 years of retail. Let that sink in for a minute. For a cumulative 9 plus decades, these three shops have provided income for the owners, jobs for the employees, and products for thousands of customers.

None of these sells an obsolete product. In fact, the products in all are timeless. Being in business is tough. Being in business in Annapolis is tougher. There are many vacancies on Main Street, Maryland Avenue, Annapolis Street, West Street, State Circle, and the other retail spots around town. The people in these businesses are our friends. Our neighbors. They are a good part of what makes Annapolis a community. As a community, we cannot let them down. The City’s Economic Development Manager just resigned. Mayor Buckley, you need to replace her VERY quickly. You cannot let these businesses down!

At Eye On Annapolis, we have been preaching for almost ten years about how important it is to support local businesses–retail or service.

When you head out to Midnight Madness this Thursday and next, take a look at all the shops that are open and welcoming you. Feel the warmth in a frigid night air. Notice the smiles. The laughter. The friendships.

And then imagine your Midnight Madness without that.

Happy clicking.

And to Jenny and Ryan of the Annapolis Running Shop and to the Chance Family of WR Chance and Katherine at Brown Eyed Girl–thank you and we wish you all the best as you move on. We will miss you.

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