The Ben Franklin shop in The Meadowlane Shopping Plaza on the corner of 70th and Vine has been there for more than 50 years. There used to be other Ben Franklin locations across town but this specific one has been the only one left since the early 1990s.

The owners of the store, Carol and Bob Schoenleber, have decided to close for various reasons. Some components include the price of lease for this year, a new company in Wisconsin owns the entire Ben Franklin franchise, and that half of the current staff are at or near retirement. It is ultimately a personal decision.

Many in the neighboring areas will be sad to see the little shop go. It is best known for it’s small aisle of assorted candies that can be bought for a certain amount per piece. The store sells many other things as well. There is a diversity of fabrics and craft items as well as toys and books. There is even an aisle dedicated to office supplies.

The “going out of business” sale started on Wednesday, April 27, and will continue until all items are sold out. Once that happens, the store will close its doors for good.