HYDE PARK — Parker’s Pet Spa and Boutique closed Friday after a decade in Hyde Park.
The pet food and grooming store at 1342 E. 55th St. posted a note to customers on its door and on its Facebook page offering several reasons for the closure, including intense competition from online retailers.
“There have been major shifts in the retail industry, specifically in the pet industry,” the announcement on Facebook said. “With the sale of two of the largest online pet marketplaces being sold to Petsmart and another to Amazon, we simply cannot compete and keep the lights on.”
But the note on the door revealed underlying financial issues with the state.
“Due to unanticipated circumstances with the state of Illinois, our license is currently in a revoked status,” said a sign on the front door near a bright green sign from the state’s Department of Revenue confirming the license is revoked.
Owners Barbara and Katherine Pottenger could not be reached for comment.
Barbara Pottenger started the business in 2007. She will retire and Katherine Pottenger will focus on the medicinal side of pet care, according to the Facebook notice.
Over the last year, the store had reduced its size by half and employees had said it was to focus on the expanding pet grooming side of the business.
“We hope that we have guided many pet owners to become strong advocates for their pet’s health and we challenge you to remain diligent for their health and wellbeing,” the Facebook notice said.
The store will maintain its website as a resource for pet owners.
