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A pedestrian passes Faces on Main Street in Northampton Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015. The store's owner announced Tuesday that he plans to close the long-time Main Street anchor unless a buyer can be found.

(Greg Saulmon / The Republican)

NORTHAMPTON — The landmark downtown retail store known as Faces, located 175 Main Street, will close its doors for good in early 2015, owner Peter Vogel said in a statement Tuesday.

The funky, friendly clothing and gift shop, known for its ever-changing creative window displays, has been in business for more than 40 years, and has operated at its Northampton location for a quarter-century.

Vogel said in a prepared statement he did not make the decision to close lightly, and cited the pressures of running an independent store, including the increasing costs of health insurance, personnel, taxes and business insurance, and utilities. He thanked his employees, vendors, customers, and members of the downtown business community.

Vogel did not return telephone calls seeking further comment.

Steve Vogel, Peter Vogel's father, co-founded Faces of Earth in Amherst in 1971. A second store in downtown Northampton was opened in 1986; in 1991 the Amherst store closed for good. Faces added a second floor at its Northampton location in 1994.

Vogel said the store remains profitable, and that any inquires about purchasing the business should be directed to him in writing at the store. Vogel has asked not to be contacted by telephone.