Just over 20 years of business came to an end at The Waygoose on Hampden Lane yesterday. The American handicrafts business began in Rockville in 1993. After moving to Bethesda Row when the original store was demolished as part of the Rockville Town Square development in 2004, the owners eventually moved to Hampden Lane. A second Rockville store opened in the RTS development in 2007, but became an example of the failure of high-rent developments to retain local and small businesses.
Co-owner Deborah Simon posted the following sign-off message online:
"After 20 years (and 21 Holiday Seasons) it's time to move on and explore new pathways. It has been quite a journey -- filled with wonderful memories, people & stories.
Thank you, thank you to the many customers that made the journey with us. It has been so gratifying to follow along as families formed and grew. I am still astounded when I see those babies heading off to college.
To the craftspeople I have been so proud to showcase I have only two words: endless gratitude. Your creative spark and spirit have made Waygoose what it is.
To my Waygoose Family, I will be eternally grateful to you for your hard work, ideas, support and love.
My love affair with handmade works of art will always continue. I plan to maintain an online presence in order to help you find the work you have grown to love. So stay tuned.
Our doors close at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 28, but my heart remains open to you always.
Thank you,
Deborah"
Many promises were made that Rockville businesses would be able to return to the new town center after it was finished. However, Magruder's never reopened, and the town center never got a grocery store. A more high-end market, Dawson's Market, eventually leased the space that had originally been intended for Magruder's or another grocery chain.
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