Favorite small business pushed out by landlord

In our society apparently everything has to be homogenized, corporate and/or upscale with outrageous rent, including what is the only original compound with character in Agoura Hills: Whizin's.

When we learned that our favorite store, the Paper Post, was a victim of a large rent hike several months ago with perhaps another on the way, we knew the community was going to lose a most marvelous and original locally owned and nurtured business.

This shop offered unusual seasonal gifts for friends and family, wonderful cards, custom paper products, candles, home decor items, various calligraphy and art classes and, most important, a friendly place in the community to stop to chat and shop.

For years I looked forward to receiving gifts that grace our home from my husband for birthdays, anniversaries and other special days. We told everyone we know to stop by the shop. We will be lost without the Paper Post, just as the owners are dealing with the loss of a business that they loved.

The owners, Eileen and Sue Nan, opened the shop in Ringles 18 years ago. Along the way the Post relocated to accommodate their growing needs, settling at Whizin's a few years back. When I stopped by to say goodbye and to commiserate with the ladies about the closing, many other loyal customers were there empathizing with the owners and their team.

We support and understand progress; however, long-standing businesses also need to be supported and honored when they are a positive influence and contribute to the community. With all the space on the Whizin's property it is truly sad that the new owners/developers could not have devised a plan to include local independently owned businesses. It could have been a show of respect to the local business people.

We have spent the last several years traveling, seeing firsthand what is happening to the small towns and cities all across the nation resulting in a complete loss of that which is original and/or unique. Corporate America rules. We only hope that Sue Nan and Eileen will be successful in finding a suitable place to at least be able to continue offering those marvelous classes.

Thank you, Paper Post, for 18 years of wonderful service to Agoura Hills and the surrounding communities.
Roberta and Chris Allen
Agoura Hills