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One of Port Jefferson’s beloved boutiques is closing its doors after 25 years of business.
Once Upon a Christmas owner, Vera Wilde, told GreaterPortJeff the store’s last day will be at the end of this month.
“It was a joy,” said Wilde. “I had a great time and a great business.”
For the initiated, Once Upon a Christmas sells holiday ornaments, lights, ribbons, as well as apparel.
Wilde, a Hauppauge resident, says she will be retiring and plans to spend more time with her grandchildren.
“Now it is time to relax and enjoy everything else in my life,” she said.
Wilde opened her original space in the current Port Jefferson Brewing Company building at 22 Mill Creek Road in 1994. She launched the company after years of running Christmas-themed pop-up shops in other stores across Long Island.
In 2010, she moved her store to Harbor Square Mall.
After announcing the news, many patrons showed their support on social media.
“Love your store,” wrote Facebooker Terry Herget Lindner, “Always stop in when I’m in Port Jeff. Been going there since my girls were little. You will be missed.”
“Oh so sad to hear that!” wrote another, Joanne Lonetto. “That adorable shop was like an institution in Port Jefferson!”
Wilde is calling on Port Jefferson to stop by one last time.
“Visit us to take advantage of our clearance sale and say goodbye,” she said.
