After more than four years serving as a vibrant retail space and a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community in downtown Grand Rapids, The 12th House is set to close its doors at the end of the year. The shop, located at 8 Jefferson Ave. SE, has been a cornerstone for locally-made goods and a safe haven for many.
Key Takeaways
- The 12th House, an LGBTQ+-owned retail spot in downtown Grand Rapids, will close on December 23rd.
- Owner Sarah Cash cites health issues and economic challenges as primary reasons for the closure.
- The store has been a vital safe space and community hub for over four years.
- Cash plans to continue The 12th House’s presence through markets and pop-up events.
A Beloved Community Hub
The 12th House has been more than just a retail store; it has cultivated a reputation as a welcoming and safe environment. Specialising in handmade local items, including jewellery, art, incense, and crystals, the shop also offered services like tarot, astrology, and palm readings. Owner Sarah Cash expressed deep sadness over the decision to close, attributing it to a combination of personal health struggles and the prevailing economic climate, which has made it difficult for customers to afford non-essential purchases.
"I didn’t want to close, I absolutely don’t want to close," Cash stated. "But I don’t see any other way around it right now."
Economic Headwinds and Community Impact
Cash noted a significant slowdown in foot traffic over the past year and a half, making the store’s continued operation unsustainable. "You can’t make people buy nonconsumables right now, everything has gone up and it’s hard with people who don’t have disposable income," she explained.
Despite the financial pressures, the closure has been met with an outpouring of support and emotion from the community. Customers have visited to express their sadness and gratitude for the space Cash created. "Everybody’s so sad. I am sad. I’ve cried a million tears over it already," Cash shared. "I’ve made this into a safe space and an easy space for people to come in when they’re not feeling great or they’re having a bad day, and they just want to be somewhere that the vibes are good and they’ll get a nice hello or a hug."
A Future Beyond the Storefront
While the physical storefront will cease operations on December 23rd, Cash is determined to keep The 12th House alive. She plans to transition to participating in local markets and pop-up events, with aspirations to have a booth at Pride next summer. This shift will allow the business to continue offering its unique products and maintaining its connection with the community.
Victor Jura, a regular customer and occasional store operator who found community and personal growth at The 12th House, shared his grief but also his optimism. "I think there’s the beauty in the journey and how intertwined everything is, and so I’m just excited to see what happens," he said.
Cash hopes to host a "last hurrah" event before the closure, potentially including painting over the store’s mural, as a final celebration of the community built within its walls. She encourages the public to continue supporting local businesses and exploring new spaces, reminding them that "you never know what’s behind that closed door."
