A scrapbook's last page

Laurie Benway is shutting down her dream store.

Benway is the proprietor of A Scrapper's Story, located at 240 Harrison St., which sells scrapbook materials and offers customers classes on scrap booking and a place to work on their projects.

But a Scrapper's Story is now liquidating its inventory and will close its doors at the end of April.

The slumped economy forced Benway's hand, she said, noting that customers simply have less money.

"People that used to spend $50 are now only spending $30," Benway said.

Despite the store closing, Benway isn't giving up on scrap booking.

In fact, Benway is starting up another business - Scrapbooks by Laurie - in which she'll create scrapbooks for people who are too busy to make their own.

"I love doing it so much," Benway said of scrap booking. "If I could do this for the rest of my life I would."

Benway said she'll begin taking clients for Scrapbooks by Laurie once the store is closed.

Still, Benway said the closing of A Scrapper's Story is a large loss. The store has four employees, and Benway said she's made numerous friends through the store.

"I feel bad. I don't know where they're going to go," she said.

Scrap booking grew in popularity around 10 years ago, Benway said, which was about the time she got hooked on the hobby. She started the store with her mother-in-law in 2003. The store moved to its current location in 2005 and Benway became the sole owner a couple years ago, she said.

The closing of A Scrapper's Story is indicative of the sluggish economy, Benway said, not an indication there's a waning interest in scrap booking.

"I don't believe the hobby is dying," she said.

Those interested in Scrapbooks by Laurie can reach Benway at (651) 380-9279

Tags: business news, laurie benway, business