Qwik Pack/Ave Maria Inspirations Closing This Month
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Published on Friday, 03 June 2011 15:57
The Ave Maria dream is still alive for Don and Mary Stuller, even though their business on Annunciation Circle in the town center is closing for economic reasons.
"The town just didn't grow as fast as we needed it to," Mr. Stuller said in the Ave Maria Inspirations/Qwik Pack and Ship shop that was one of the first businesses in Ave Maria, opening in February, 2008.
Mr. Stuller said they hung on as long as they could, mainly through income from outside employment of either him or his wife.
In addition to the economic downturn, Mr. Stuller also said their original plan for the Qwik Pack and Ship was affected by service improvements by Federal Express and UPS which made it easier for individuals to ship packages without a middleman. They tried to counter the trend in the shipping area by creating Ave Maria Inspirations last fall, which sold religious-themed merchandise as well as souvenirs.
But when Mr. Stuller lost his job as a construction manager recently, the couple concluded that there was no choice but for both of them to seek salaried employment and close the business.
The store will remain open until June 30 or until the inventory is sold off, Mr. Stuller said. The Stullers intend to continue their Ave Maria Inspirations business online.
They are hoping that at least one of them will find work in southwest Florida that will enable them to stay in Ave Maria and let their son, Julian Gonzalez, complete his final year at the Donahue Academy.
"I love this place and Mary and I cherish Ave Maria," Mr. Stuller said. "It's just the economy."
The Stullers have been active in the community, with Mr. Stuller coaching the Donahue Academy football team and volunteering for other work at the school and for the parish. Mrs. Stuller established the Ave Maria Hometown Band and Orchestra, which she will continue to manage as it offers new programs, such as violin lessons, this fall.
Many residents and fellow merchants in town are sorry to see the store close.
"It is a great loss for Ave Maria," said Daniel Dix, owner of The Bean of Ave Maria coffee shop and the Queen Mary Pub, adding that he used their services often and "it will make managing my business more difficult with them gone."
"In addition, Don and Mary are absolutely wonderful people. The loss of this business is another reminder to me how important it is to support my neighbors by frequenting their businesses."
Despite the setback with the business, "This is where we want to be," Mr. Stuller said.
"If they were building a cemetery, I'd be the first one buying a plot."
