Another empty building for Delphi
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Closed sign soon to be permanent Teddy's Emporium, a long-time Delphi business will shut its doors on April 30. Owner Cindy Knoth is seen standing in her shop's doorway. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe

No one would argue that it has been a rough winter. The snow was relentless and the ice was awful making travel dangerous and nearly impossible for much of the season. It would be hard to maintain a positive attitude about running a business that can only thrive when customers from far and near come through the front door. Some have not been able to hold on to that which they need in order to continue in business. The community experienced a sad closing at the beginning of this month when Brosman's IGA decided to go out of business. As it turned out, that wasn't the only business to feel the economic crunch.

After 16 years in business in the same location while establishing a network of friends, coworkers and like-minded businesses for the betterment of all, Cindy Knoth, owner of Teddy's Emporium, decided to close her doors for good April 30.

"I discussed this decision over sheet cake and champagne with my vendors last Sunday," Knoth said. "I always wanted to maintain high standards and I'm feeling the crunch."

Knoth said there are 23 vendors in her rented space, which include sellers from Kansas, Virginia, Illinois, Monticello, Lafayette and Delphi. Three of those will be moving to Times Past Antiques in Delphi. She said the others do not have plans to stay in the community.

"If dealers don't sell, I don't get rent money," she explained. "I cater to a certain clientele, but the younger generation tends to shop on E-bay rather than visit shops to find unusual items and bargains."

Knoth said she intends to maintain a Web site and an Ebay account. However her immediate plans are to mow lawns until June to give herself time to decide what to do next.

"I am looking forward to the next thing," she said tearfully. "But I've got to heal from this first."

"I'm heartsick about the whole thing," Delphi Mayor Randy Strasser said Friday. "Any loss of a business frustrates me."

Strasser said as the national economy worsens, there will be a trickle-down effect upon local spending and travel.

"I'm devastated," said Lisa Delaney, owner of the Stone House Bakery. "Cindy is a major compliment to my business."

Delaney explained that Teddy's Emporium, which is located across the street from her restaurant, draws antique people and shoppers to the area. She said Knoth "supports all of her brotherhood" by making referrals to other antique stores in town when she does not carry the exact desired item a customer requests.

"It's going to be a loss. She is a major supporter to the county," Delaney added. "She is an asset to Delphi and the community."

"I hate to see that happen," Krista Watson, president of the Delphi Chamber of Commerce said.

Watson said it is her hope other individuals and businesses your choice in the community keep a positive attitude to remain strong and build their businesses. Watson is the owner of the Delphi Hardware and Paint and is sympathetic to the problems faced by small businesses. She said when most residents work out of the community, they tend to do their errands before they leave those other communities rather than shop around the corner from their houses.

"The city chamber will offer support and encouragement to any other businesses," she said. "This is a cycle and it will turn around."

Watson said she would welcome suggestions about what the chamber could do for the community to stem the business drain happening in Delphi. Watson can be reached at the hardware store daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The telephone number there is (765) 564- 3657.