Gilded Lily Owner Talks Closing of Evans City Location

After 10 years, Ruth Ann Helwig is packing up her Vera Bradley bags at The Gilded Lily in Evans City.

“I’m thrilled to death,” she said.

The Cranberry Township resident is closing the location in Evans City to focus on her second Gilded Lily store, located in the Adams Shoppes along Route 228. That store has been open about four years.

The Gilded Lily on Main Street in Evans City is expected to close in late spring, Helwig said. In the meantime, the shop is having a giant sale.

Besides Vera Bradley bags, The Gilded Lily carries Brighton watches and jewelry, home decor items, gifts, accessories and collectibles. Many of the items at the Evans City location are now half off, Helwig said.

“We have an ongoing sale that just keeps getting stronger all the time,” she said.

Helwig said she has long considered closing the Evans City shop, which she described as a “destination store.” In contrast, the Adams Township, located along a highly traveled highway, attracts more clientele, Helwig said. There also is more parking available at the Adams Township location, making it easier for shoppers to come to the store, Helwig said.  

Helwig, who owned a collectibles shop in central Pennsylvania before moving to Cranberry, also noted the difficultly in running two stores. With the Evans City location closing, Helwig said she feels relieved. Her hope is to expand the inventory at the Adams Township shop.  

Although some customers have expressed sadness at the departure of the Evans City store, they have been supportive of her decision to close it, Helwig said.

“I think most understand, with the way the economy is, in closing a location that wasn’t as busy,” she said.

Will you miss The Gilded Lily in Evans City? Are you planning to attend the ongoing sale? Tell us in the comment section below.

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