‘So much a part of me.’ Longtime Boalsburg business set to permanently close its doors
For 26 years, Patricia Gordon’s business has been a fixture in Centre County. But, come next month, Boalsburg’s Riley on Main — which specializes in handmade and/or antique decor — is closing its doors.
Gordon, 64, is clearing out her boutique at 101 E. Main St. of furniture, art, jewelry and more for up to 75% off. She’s set to permanently close by April 29 and could close sooner if enough of her inventory is sold.
“I feel like this was a child to me,” Gordon said on a recent afternoon, referring to her business. “It’s so much a part of me that I’m going to have to figure out who I am again without it.”
Although Gordon owns the property and made the decision to step away — she wasn’t forced out — her voice still cracked while reflecting on the customers and memories she’ll leave behind. From discussing the nuances of visually balancing bookshelves with the right amount of novels, photos and objects to fielding nervous customer calls after midnight, Gordon has enjoyed the ride.
But with a business that offers interior design services and unique hand-picked items, Gordon simply can’t balance 80-hour weeks anymore — even if she still finds the work fulfilling.
“It’s funny because as certain people come in, I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m so glad you got this’ because it’s like sending home a treasure that you have in your home that you deserve,” she said. “I’m probably way, way too emotional about objects, I guess. But that’s really why I care as much as I do: I feel like your home should totally reflect who you are, how you live and all that.”
Gordon isn’t retiring. She plans to instead devote her time solely to interior design, explaining that she hopes to cut those long workweeks in half to 40 hours. She already estimates she’s designed around 1,000 commercial and residential projects — from Antifragile Brewing Company in downtown State College to InVested Advisors in College Township. And she’s hoping to do many more.
The longtime Boalsburg resident would prefer to open a small studio somewhere nearby. But she’s still working out the details. In the meantime, customers interested in her interior design can continue to contact her via her Riley on Main contacts, through email at rileyonmaindesign@gmail.com or by phone at 814-466-9200.
Until it closes, Riley on Main will remain open from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. And Gordon will be adding new items to her boutique, from storage, on most days.
“I really think this is an opportunity to recreate myself,” Gordon added.
