Two Sisters Antiques & Collectibles closed its doors in Medford Square this past week after 18 years of business.

Two Sisters Antiques & Collectibles closed its doors in Medford Square this past week after 18 years of business.

Opened in July of 2001 by sisters Linda and Theresa Turino, the store as well as the city of Medford became their second home.

“We love Medford and we’ll always love Medford,” said Theresa. “It’s a beautiful city that we have many fond memories of.”

Originally from Revere and now residing in East Boston, both sisters had established careers in banking before they opened their Medford business.

“We both saw a lifetime in banking and really had to recreate ourselves after getting laid off," said Theresa. "The thought of a new career in our 40s was terrifying."

The sisters decided to turn their "adversity into success" by opening up an antique shop. They wanted to create a store full of beautiful, hand-picked items for people to love and pass on wonderful memories from the prior owner to the new owner, and the sisters created lasting connections, friendships and fond memories along the way.

“We had only the best of the best,” said Theresa.

The sisters shipped items locally and globally, including to Dubai, Canada, Australia and Greece.

She went on to explain that they became the biggest privately owned antique store and gallery on the North Shore, one of their biggest accomplishments in their 18 years.

“We touched our customers lives and they touched ours,” said Linda. “This type of business is generational and inspirational. We were with families during their most upsetting times, and they trusted us to help them. We are truly heartbroken.”

The closing of Two Sisters came after their landlord declined to renew their lease, they said, adding that they received dozens of flowers and gift cards in light of their closing, as well as support from longtime customers, friends and members of the community.

“It’s a sad day,” said longtime customer and friend Joyce Fleming. “Two Sisters will be missed.”

Medford Mayor Stephanie Burke also shared her disappointment that the longtime store is coming to an end.

"They have been around a long time," Burke said. "I have purchased my dining room table from them and a lot of different things, and my kids have as well, so they will be missed."

Although the physical doors of Two Sisters will be closing, Linda plans on keeping the business alive through Facebook and their online store.

“Same name, same website, same phone number,” said Linda. “Two Sisters is still buying and selling and still very much open for business.”

The sisters want to thank all of their customers and friends for their constant support for the last 18 years and the last couple of months during this difficult time. They also want to continue their support of The Pierce Family Fragile X Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Medford that provides support for those affected by Fragile X.

“We’re going to miss everyone," Theresa said. "We hope we made a difference in the square. We know you made a difference in our lives. Gone, but not forgotten.”

Editor's note: This story has been clarified from the original post.