Popes Garden Center closes doors

Popes Garden Center in Maryville, Tenn. closed its doors for the last time Sept. 30, citing the bad economy and extreme weather.

A note on the garden center’s website reads:

“This news should come as no shock to anyone who works for, shops at, or runs a small business. In today’s economy running a small business is very tough. Couple that with a “seasonal” industry, and tough times become extreme.

Difficult times call for complex decisions. Not everyone will agree with that decision, and hardly anyone fully understands. It isn’t easy, period.

After over 35 years, Popes Garden Center has closed the doors for good. Our sincere appreciation goes out to you all for your years of support ... While closing was not our preferred choice, it is our best option.”

The remaining stock, equipment and property will be sold Oct. 6 through Furrow Auction Company. For more information, visit Property Auction or Equipment/Vehicles/Inventory.