08/12/2020
January 1, 2014, we were blessed with the opportunity to open the business we had always dreamed of. A place where we could host our favorite music, build a music listening community, provide a space for artists to showcase their work, for community to come together, and be a safe space for ALL people to gather. It was dream come true for us, and you, our customers, helped us to succeed at that beyond our wildest dreams.
When we closed on March 18, in an effort to help ”flatten the curve”, we did so thinking it would be a few weeks at the most. But as time goes on, it is obvious the effects of this virus are going to make it very difficult for us to continue to be “a gathering place” and do it safely, for a much longer period of time. So we have made the very difficult decision to not reopen The Willow Tree. We do this with such heavy hearts, but also with so much love and gratitude for every person who has set foot in our door, for everyone who became a part of our Willow Tree community. So many of you have become like family to all of us. We do it with a tremendous amount of love for our “staff”, people we call “keepers of the dream”, who truly made The Willow Tree what it is, especially Sam and Jennifer, who have been with us from the very beginning, often working for free during the tough parts, and loving The Willow Tree as much as we have.
We will be opening for a few days in September to sell our inventory, books, t-shirts, mugs, some furniture, and such, as well as coffee, tea, and beer. If you have gift cards they can be used for all of those purchases. We will keep you posted on that date.
And we would also just like to say, the saddest part of this for us is knowing that it did not have to be this way. If we as a nation, as people, had treated this virus as a public health issue instead of a political issue, there is no doubt we would be reopening. And until we decide to come together and collectively do our part as a community of people to combat this virus, more and more of our small businesses will be closing. The long term effects for many will be devastating. Simple things in the short term is all it takes, wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, and listen to science. Love each other. Be good humans.
Thank you for all the beautiful memories. With much love and gratitude ~ Teri and Zoe.
