The ‘shop on 24th' is closing, ‘desert sage' will move in

Jim Mason’s “The Shop on 24th” has been in business at 2423 ¾ Colorado Avenue since June of 2008, but after this week, he said he’s closing shop. Mason attributed it to a weak economy and the current administration.

“When February came and we got a new president, the economy’s gone south and it’s killed us,” Mason said. “This president and this administration are not pro-business.”

With a sign out front announcing 50 percent off on all his items, Mason was taking pictures off the walls on Friday; he said this week would be his last retail week, though he’d likely be in the shop next week closing up. After that, Mason said he’ll be focusing on leasing properties with his wife and sister-in-law in the west side area.

Ed Holbrook, owner of Desert Sage in the Old Town Plaza at 25th St. and Colorado Avenue, said he plans to move into the spot Mason’s business is vacating by Dec. 1. Though it will be a big step down in size, from 1,400 square feet to 450, Holbrook is hopeful the move will bring more foot traffic to his store. Holbrook said the lease also comes with three reserved parking spaces behind the store, which would help his clientele, many of whom are older, reach his store more easily.