In Saline, Michigan, the emblem of local entrepreneurship and state pride, McPherson Local, is shutting its doors permanently on March 30 after a nearly seven-year run, as reported by CBS News Detroit. The store known for selling Michigan-made goods, struggled to stay afloat amid the lingering financial strains set in by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unfortunate announcement by owner Jen McPherson comes as a blow to a community accustomed to the quaint charm of the store, set in a historic library building dating back to the early 1900s, McPherson told MLive, that the store became a staple since its inception in 2017 housing 180 different local makers, the decline in foot traffic and the business's inability to secure pandemic relief funding edged the shop towards its closure.

According to a statement acquired by The Saline Post, McPherson expressed her sentiments on the hard decision to close the business which has not only been her dream but also a hub for the community's local craftspeople and patrons who've become like family over the years. The decision has been echoed with disappointment by both customers and fellow business owners demonstrating a shared sense of loss at the impending closure.

The story of McPherson Local's end highlights the ongoing struggle for small businesses in the post-pandemic era, especially as they continue to navigate the fallout of COVID-19's economic disruptions, despite the public perception that businesses are bouncing back simply because their doors are open, McPherson lamented to MLive. With the store's final days approaching, McPherson encourages support for the makers whose products gave the store its unique local flavor and while she is unsure of what the future holds, her passion for supporting local businesses remains unwavering.

While McPherson Local prepares to bid its final farewell, the owner extends heartfelt thanks to those who patronized the store, making it a part of their lives and building fond memories, a sentiment shared through The Saline Post. The closure of McPherson Local is a stark reminder of the hardships small businesses endure and serves as a call to action for communities to rally around and support their local trades to sustain the vibrant and diverse marketplaces that are the backbone of a town's character and economy.