Fixture of Cambridge retail scene closing doors after 50 years

A Cambridge shop with 50 years of history is closing its doors for good at the end of this month.

Judging by all the smiles and customers seen inside Etcetera Linens and Gifts on Thursday, you would never think it’s shutting down.

“In 1975, when my mom opened, it was a shop that sold shower curtains, towels, rugs and some gifts,” said Shirley Bowman, the store’s owner.

The milestone of 50 years in business is being met with a bittersweet goodbye.

“You have to make a decision in retail. You either close just after Christmas or you close in July, which is the bigger time. And I decided that 50 was my magic number,” said Bowman.

She has been the face of the shop since taking over from her mother in 1985.

As a way to say ‘thank you’ to her loyal customers before she heads into retirement, Bowman has listed everything in the store as half off.

“I wanted to do 50 per cent right away because I wanted my customers to have the benefit of getting things because they’ve supported me for all of these years,” she said.

Customers have been filing in and trying to get what they can. Many of them are reminiscing as they shop too.

“I can remember shopping at her mom’s store before. I’ve been in Cambridge since ’78,” said customer Sandy Dahlin.

Others say it has always been their go-to shop.

“When I needed a gift and I didn’t know what to get, I always came to Shirley,” said Linda, another customer.

Three sisters and loyal customers Dawn, Jo and Deborah say they have their own family connection to the store.

“Our mother came into this store. She’s the one who introduced us,” said Dawn. “Then we’ve just continued coming. Jo has bought five or six quilts.”

Bowman may have some explaining to do though, because she employs her grandchildren.

“My one son Colin said ‘You know my kids are unemployed now too,’” she said, laughing.

As she gets ready to say goodbye, it won’t really be ‘goodbye,’ she explains. It will just mean more time getting coffee with customers who have become friends, spending time with her grandkids, et cetera, et cetera.