Ben Franklin to close its doors

SANDPOINT - After 13 years of offering area residents a variety of arts, crafts and framing supplies, Sandpoint's Ben Franklin Crafts & Framing will close its doors for the last time on Aug. 16.

The decision comes after several months of deliberation from owners Gary and Cheryl McMahon, who said they are ready for retirement. The McMahons cited the heavy workload involved in operating the store and a February stroke that sidelined Gary as key factors in their decision to move on.

The McMahons are working with their landlord to help find someone to either purchase the store or retain the lease for a similar crafts store. McMahon said he has been in touch with several interested parties, but an agreement has yet to be reached. While a new owner is sought, the McMahons will begin liquidating the store's inventory and most of its fixtures and appliances beginning May 20.

McMahon said the couple have mixed emotions about the closure and hope someone will come in to fill the void that Ben Franklin will undoubtedly leave for fans of crafts and framing.

“I'll miss the customers,” he said. “When people come in and tell us how essential the store is it makes the big problems seem smaller.”

McMahon said he routinely met shoppers who traveled from Spokane, Coeur d'Alene and surrounding areas specifically for goods at Ben Franklin.

The couple will look to take some time off once the store closes before possibly spending next winter in a warmer climate. McMahon said the family will continue to call Sandpoint home and is considering the possibility of opening a smaller crafts store if no one is interested in taking over at the current location.