Calico Cat Comes Back to Life

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"We're ready to retire and spend more time with our grandchildren," co-owner Marcia Duncan said back in the fall of 2008. After nearly thirty-five years in the small book and gifts business, she and her husband, James, were discouraged by the economic downturn and too weary to compete with big-box stores and Internet shopping. "We really didn't expect to be here," said Duncan on a sunny April afternoon, as one of her longtime employees unpacked new merchandise.

But loyal customers came out of the woodwork and pleaded with the Duncans to stick it out. After the going-out-of-business sale, the Duncans still had far too much merchandise on their hands. James was ready to give it all to charity, but not Marcia--the outpouring of support got to her. "This is my love," she says, smiling and standing behind the store's counter. "I just couldn't close. And now, it feels like we're two kids starting over again."

As for retiring and spending more time with her grandchildren, Duncan admits that her daughter was at first devastated to hear that she had changed her mind. "I have such a wonderful staff," says Duncan. "I told my daughter I'd be there any time she needed me."

The Calico Cat Book and Gift Shoppe, 109 W. Michigan. 944-2242. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun.

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