According to the Small Business Administration, 50% of establishments survive 5 years or more*

Here's one that didn't.

Photo by Retiring Guy

The Earring Tree opened in a strip mall in the 6700 block of University Avenue in Middleton in 2014.  Or thereabouts.

From the start, I considered it a risky business plan, especially in light of the fact that the there's always been lots of turnover here, a situation that has no doubt been responsible for the consistently unenviable vacancy rate. 

For me, the tipping point occurred when the store's windows became increasingly plastered with announcements of new merchandise and a variety of jewelry-making classes.  I detected the odor of desperation.

Say goodbye to the Earring Tree.

*SBA Small Business Facts