Irish Sisters store in Geneva to close after 28 years

GENEVA – Irish Sisters Imports is closing after 28 years, co-owner Mike Smith said. The store is at 312 S. Third St., Geneva.

With the lease up at the end of April, Smith said it was time to let the store go.

“We could not sign another three-year lease,” Smith said. “We had been kind of thinking about [closing] for a while. The thought of another two or three years here – we don’t want to do it.”

The store features knit sweaters, Irish caps, crystal and jewelry, among other items.

“All kinds of little goodies, most of which is made in Ireland,” Smith said. “I hate to see it go.”

Everything is for sale, including the fixtures.

The store has been at the location since 1987, but Smith said he and his wife, Peggy, have owned it for about 13 years.

There was another Irish sister, but she left for a job that included health insurance benefits, he said.

“We could sell the business, but we didn’t try,” Smith said. “It’s trying to catch lightning in the bottle, waiting for the one person who wants it.”

Smith said he and his wife put out feelers a few years ago to see if anyone was interested.

“We could not come to a meeting of the minds,” Smith said of the few who came forward.

Smith said he would not be opposed to selling the business if a potential buyer walked in and made an offer.

Although they both are old enough to retire, Smith said he and his wife would continue to sell Irish items at fairs and festivals and be not-quite retired – still working, but less demanding than keeping up the store every day.

“Closing the store is going to free up some time for ourselves,” Smith said. “We are not quite ready to retire. We worked our whole lives.”