Photo from November 2020 by Steven
After a little more than a year in business at 321 E. Ninth St., The March Hare will be closing in the days ahead.
As we previously reported, Karen McDermott, who runs the whimsical toy shop with her husband Jason McGroarty, was diagnosed with colon cancer last fall.
Running a business and navigating the challenges of chemotherapy was too much, and they decided to close down the shop here between First Avenue and Second Avenue ... with the hopes that someone may have an interest in taking it over.
Here's part of an email to EVG from last evening:
As you may be aware my wife and co owner of The March Hare was diagnosed with colon cancer in October last year. We have been amazed by the outpouring of love and support from everyone in the village since then. However we have made the decision to close our little store in order to focus on our battle with cancer.
I would love to say it wasn't an easy decision to make but it was easy, for health and family should always come first. It has been a wonder to own and operate a store on the very block we live on. The need for a quirky little village toy store focusing on creativity, early development and good ol' classic wonder is alive and well.
So, if anyone would like to carry on the legacy much like we did after Dinosaur Hill, we are open to offers. I believe it would be a shame to let the story end with us but our part, much like a chapter in your favorite book, has come to an end. This is a great turnkey retail opportunity for the right person, if you feel the calling much like we did (and still do), get in touch.
Until that day comes we will be selling our remaining stock. Pop by and grab a few goodies while they last. Remember, things never really end, they simply change. You will still see us strolling around the village as usual so feel free to wave or stop for a chit chat.
There's also a crowdfunding campaign to help the couple pay for medical and living expenses. (McDermott just started her fifth round of chemotherapy.) You can find that link here.
The March Hare opened in November 2020. The shop was carrying on for Dinosaur Hill, the 37-year-old toy store on the block where McDermott had worked. Dinosaur Hill closed in 2020 after owner Pamela Pier retired.
We wish all the best to Karen and Jason!
6 comments:
this store will be sorely missed. best wishes to the owners and hope that Karen makes a full recovery.
Very sorry to hear this. I pray for a speedy recovery and hopefully we’ll see you in the future!! Good Luck 🍀 And Best Wishes for You and Your Family.🙏🏻🙏🏻
I am sorry to hear this news. Like others in the neighborhood, I have supported them by buying all my birthday and Christmas presents for my little nieces and nephews there, in hopes that such a charming shop would stay open. Sincere wishes for your recovery, Karen.
I'm very sorry to hear this, but they're correct that health comes first. I wish Karen successful treatment and a return to the best of good health!
And I hope someone will be step forward and keep The March Hare going.
Very sorry to see this closure. Still, it sounds like they are making the right decision for the moment. Rest up, get strong again, and start a new adventure after you heal. Sending warm thoughts and good vibes. Surround yourselves with love, whole foods, hugs, friendship, and positive thinking.
Ah So sorry to hear this but it sounds like you are on the mend which is the most important thing. They are pretty good at treating this condition now. A family member suddenly felt out of breath after a brief walk and and discovered that it was colon cancer. That was six years a go. We met for an outdoor meal just the other day. Things have a way of turning around. My thoughts are with you continued healing.
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