Crimson Ridge announced Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, that it would close its retail gift shop and return to its roots as a flower shop. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — Crimson Ridge announced this morning that it would close its upstairs retail shop and return to its roots as a flower shop.
The longtime seller of flowers, gifts and other merchandise at 735 N. Perryville Road made the announcement via Facebook and in radio and print advertisements.
Crimson Ridge opened in March 1995 as a flower shop and grew over the years into source for many other types of gifts.
More news: ‘No limitations’: Rockford’s Angel Martinez returns to boxing with a fresh outlook on life
All employees at the two-level store will stay on board, but they’ll transition to the flower shop located on the ground level. However, Crimson Ridge owner Kip Hartsfield and longtime employee Cristy Giacone will semi-retire.
“We’ve enjoyed being part of your families and your memories,” the company wrote on Facebook. “After 25 years, Kip and Cristy have decided to semi-retire.”
Lori Beach-Grass pauses to smell flowers inside Crimson Ridge’s flower shop on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, in Rockford. The company said it would close its gift shop and return to its roots as a flower shop. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)The statement attracted immediate attention on social media, with hundreds of interactions, comments and shares. It also prompted the official city of Rockford government page to thank Crimson Ridge for its time in business. “Thank you for being a staple in our community for more than 25 years,” it wrote.
You can read Crimson Ridge’s full statement below:
It isn’t clear when the transition will be complete. Hartsfield said there’s no set timeline. No plans for the upstairs space have been announced.
The buildings at 695 and 735 N. Perryville Road were sold by Fieldman LLC for $3.8 million to Lemont-based Goich Wabick LLC in late December, according to Winnebago County Clerk and Recorder’s office records.
Crimson Ridge is located at 735 N. Perryville Road in Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.