LINCOLN SQUARE — Little kids tried on shoes and grabbed toys off shelves, while expectant moms combed through racks of infant-sized onesies.
Just another day at Lollipop Seeds children's clothing store — except for the "Going Out of Business" signs taped to the window and door.
Isabel Rubinas had been the last shopkeeper standing at 4724-28 N. Lincoln Ave. pending the building's sale, telling DNAinfo.com back in August, "I'm staying. I have a lease."
But on Wednesday Rubinas announced via Facebook that the building had been purchased and she would be vacating the space, per the new owners, by the end of October.
"I have decided to close Lollipop Seeds and will start a 'SEE YA LATER ALLIGATOR' SALE at once," she wrote.
A search of documents filed with the Cook County Assessor's office show that 4724-28 N. Lincoln Ave., as well as 4740 N. Lincoln Ave., were bought in September for $5.5 million by 4740 N. Lincoln LLC.
Over the coming weeks, Rubinas said customers can expect ongoing markdowns on Lollipop Seeds' inventory, including seasonal merchandise still in the pipeline from vendors.
"Rain gear is coming," she said. "We've got a ton of Christmas pajamas."
And yes, stock still includes a small selection of "Frozen"-themed items.
After working 24/7 for the past two years, Rubinas now plans on staying home with her two small children.
"It's just sad," she said of Lollipop Seeds' forced demise. "The neighborhood was really welcoming. I'm going to miss everybody."
The feeling is mutual, as evidenced by the outpouring of sympathy online and the steady stream of customers popping into the store, many of whom expressed disappointment that Lincoln Square seems to be losing a bit of its unique, small-town Mom & Pop charm.
"If they put in a bank or some chain stores it will actually help me decide it's OK to move out to suburbs in the near future," one fan posted to Facebook.
"I always hate to see a great indie store disappear," chimed in another.
One loyal customer who stopped by on Thursday to commiserate with Rubinas said, "I like having non-chains in the neighborhood where you can chat with the owner and get personal recommendations.
"It was a very nice little oasis."
