Welcome to this comprehensive exploration into the life and eventual closure of Close to My Heart (CTMH), a cherished entity in the arts and crafts world. You might have heard murmurs or seen queries about whether CTMH is going out of business. The answer is, unfortunately, yes. This beloved company, founded in 1984, has brought joy and creativity to countless individuals and households over the decades. Today, we will dive into the reasons behind its closure and the implications for its community and operations. We’ll also look at what’s next for those who have been integral to its journey.
Close to My Heart Overview
Let’s begin with an overview. Close to My Heart, or CTMH, was established by Jeanette R. Lynton over three decades ago. It started with a vision of providing high-quality scrapbooking and stamping products to crafting enthusiasts. Based in Pleasant Grove, Utah, the company blossomed into a thriving community, tightly woven with creativity and shared passions. Over the years, CTMH built a formidable reputation in the arts and crafts industry—not just as a business but as a movement celebrating creativity. In its golden era, CTMH employed around 825 people, achieving annual revenues of approximately $20 million.
Is Close to My Heart Going Out of Business?
Yes, Close to My Heart is, unfortunately, going out of business. The official closure date is set for June 30, 2024. Any individual website run by CTMH’s “Makers,” the company’s valued sales representatives, will cease operations even earlier, by April 30, 2024. Customers are encouraged to place their orders directly from the company’s website while the windows remain open. The decision was not sudden but rather a result of extensive deliberation and dialogue within the organization.
Key Reasons Behind This
Why would such a beloved company decide to close its doors? The reasons, although heart-wrenching, are clear. Foremost is the health of Jeanette R. Lynton, the founder. The demands and stresses of running a business have taken their toll on her well-being. Moreover, while CTMH has stayed modestly profitable, the growth needed for sustained stability was not achieved. This lack of growth could be attributed to various factors such as market saturation and shifts in consumer preferences. Moreover, substantial personal subsidies from Jeanette were necessary to cover the company’s financial losses over the years. These challenges ultimately led to the difficult decision to close CTMH.
What Exactly Does Close to My Heart Do?
If you’re not familiar with Close to My Heart, you might be wondering exactly what they do. CTMH specializes in arts and crafts supplies, with a primary focus on scrapbooking materials, card-making accessories, and stamping products. Their offerings are diverse, ranging from paper and ink products to tools and organizational items. They also ventured into interactive workshops and creative gatherings, fostering a vibrant community of Makers and enthusiasts who cherished personal expression. CTMH’s products and workshops became synonymous with innovation and quality, encouraging people to explore their creative sides and connect through crafting.
Is Close to My Heart Facing a Financial Crisis?
When a company is closing, the immediate suspicion might be financial instability. However, CTMH’s situation was not about an imminent financial collapse. It was more about insufficient growth to sustain long-term ambitions. Despite modest profitability in recent years, the overall trajectory was not enough to secure the future of the company. Financial challenges primarily arose from the need for substantial personal subsidies by the founder to keep operations afloat. This unsustainable financial model, combined with other factors, contributed to the difficult decision to cease operations.
Has Close to My Heart Closed Any Locations?
As of now, Close to My Heart has not closed any specific locations. The company primarily operated through its online platform and its network of independent Makers. Therefore, the closure will primarily affect the digital realm, impacting the individual websites of Makers and affecting direct ordering from the CTMH platform. The lack of brick-and-mortar locations means the company didn’t have to manage the challenges of physically dismantling retail outlets.
Current Status: Is Close to My Heart Still in Business?
Presently, Close to My Heart is still operational, albeit in the final stages of its business life. It will remain open until June 30, 2024, allowing ample time for customers to explore and purchase their favorite products. The company’s website is still active, supporting its community of dedicated Makers. Conversations are underway with Stampin’ Up, a potential collaborator, to ensure Makers have opportunities to continue their creative businesses even after CTMH closes its doors. These efforts are crucial in providing continuity and support in this time of transition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Close to My Heart’s decision to close marks the end of an era for a vibrant community of creativity and expression. While the closure will undoubtedly leave a void for many crafting enthusiasts, the spirit of CTMH continues in the hearts and projects of its Makers and customers. As we look ahead, it’s important to celebrate the incredible legacy CTMH has created and the memories it has fostered through art and community. For those seeking further information, you can find more details on our website here.
As CTMH moves towards its final closure, we encourage everyone to continue crafting, creating, and cherishing the connections made through shared passions.