Ben Franklin in Old Orchard Closing Its Doors

Some disappointing news for fans of : The craft store is closing its doors.

The craft chain was located just west of Interstate-44 from Shrewsbury.

Reader Barbara MacRobie emailed Webster Groves Patch on Friday after receiving an advertisement in the mail stating the the store would be closing.

"(I) Just found out through a mailer from Ben Franklin in Old Orchard, (which I) received in today's mail, that the store is going out of business," MacRobie said in an email to Patch. "NOOOO!!!!!! They will be starting their going-out-of-business discount sales (on Wednesday.)" 

She told Patch the ad stated, "We are extending a special invitation to our local customers and friends to come in beginning promptly at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 5 to shop this sale early prior to the public announcement through various media." 

The ad stated that everything in the store, including all merchandise, fixtures and furniture, would be sold, MacRobie added. The mailer, which was signed "The Hampel family," thanked customers for their support.

Patch has been unable to reach the owners of the Webster Groves store.

The closing of the Old Orchard location leaves only one brick-and-mortar Ben Franklin in the St. Louis area - . The also closed recently.

Fans of the craft store can stop by the Eureka location, shop on the company's website or visit other arts and craft stores in the area, including:

• in Webster Groves; 
• in Kirkwood;
• in Crestwood.

Patch will update this story with more details as they become available.