Local thrift shop closes after five years in business

By Mike Hazlip—
A Citrus Heights thrift shop has closed after five years of ups and downs as the owners struggled to keep the doors open.

In an Oct. 24 announcement, Kelsee’s Purse said the business would permanently close in November. The business was on a month-to-month lease after managing to survive several significant setbacks.

“Next month would be our 5 year anniversary of being open,” the business announced. “We survived the big ‘C’ shut down, two separate floods and the gym construction that shut down our parking lot for six months. Every month that we paid rent and stayed open has been a miracle. Little stores like ours don’t usually make it this long and we certainly are grateful!”

The property management has plans for a new tenant to occupy the Kelsee’s Purse suite along with two more empty suites next door, the business said. While the business was offered another suite in the Copperwood Plaza, the owners decided to start over, according to the announcement.

The business faced several challenges in the five years it was open. The Sentinel previously reported a leaking pipe, COVID shutdowns, and nearby construction all hindered business for Kelsee’s Purse.

The business also had announced it would be closing in February last year, but an outpouring of community support changed those plans, owner Ildiko Carpenter told The Sentinel.

In a Nov. 8 Facebook post, Carpenter invited comments from past customers to share their memories of the shop, with responses expressing sadness about the closure along with positive memories.

“I looked forward every week, in being able to pop in and say hi,” one comment says. “I’m going to miss my greeting… You did so many good deeds inside this community- it will most definitely be missed in so many ways.”