news-record.com

MADISON (MCT) - Kathy Miller and her husband, Richard, co-owners of Madison Dry Goods, recently decided it's time to close the store and move on to something new.

''It's just time," she said. "Working seven days a week and all through the holidays takes its toll on you sooner or later. We just decided it's time to be able to take a weekend off once in a while."

Richard Miller said he has already begun decreasing his inventory and plans to close the store by the end of May. Although he does not plan any type of "going out of business" or "close out" sale, he does plan to sell all of his historic pieces and antiques, as well as the current dry goods inventory.

''There's a 30-year collection of antiques and collectibles in this building and won't have a place to store them when we move out," he said. "I plan to get rid of all but a few pieces I just couldn't bear to part with."

That includes all of the collectible items in the store and the historic items upstairs in the Madison Dry Goods Museum.

Miller said the decision to close the store was difficult, but became much easier after witnessing Kathy Hawkins' success next door with Dan River Coffee and Deli.

''It became obvious from the start that she was going to need more room for that business," Miller said. "That shop has done a lot to revitalize the downtown and she needs more space, especially for those special evenings when she brings in entertainment."

Miller said his plans include clearing the lower level of Madison Dry Goods to allow Dan River Coffee to expand. His current floor space would be used for overflow from the deli and for a larger room when musicians perform.

''There's even enough room here for a nice dance floor," Miller said.

Madison Dry Goods' upstairs area will be available for Hawkins to use for meeting rooms or private dining areas.

The Millers' store first opened its doors on Murphy Street in Sept. 1993. At that time, it was only open one weekend each month.