In 2009, Bob and Debbie Leeper brought their geeky sensibilities and steampunk addictions to Mesa and set up Evermore Nevermore at 127 W. Main Street on Halloween night.
Two years later, they've decided to close up shop.
"It is with gut-wrenching sadness and overwhelming regret that we announce that on December 14, Evermore Nevermore will be nevermore," the two anounced on their website this morning. "While we feel we still have so much to give, and that we're just getting started, we simply don't have the financial means to continue this venture. Over the next two weeks we will be selling-off either the EN business as a whole, or our merchandise and fixtures, and closing our doors for the last time."
The quirky business, known for its collection of locally crafted comic books, leather bracers and chain maille, Steampunk sculptures, corsets, T-shirts and accessories, joined the ranks of Mesa's growing and evolving geek community.
In our first post about the store's opening, Wynter Holden wrote that the name Evermore Nevermore was a nod to Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven, because crows/ravens gather unusual items for use in their nests just as Evermore's owners hunt down treasures for the store.
But after two years of hunting, gathering, and hosting Steampunk Street events, Encredicon, zombie fashion shows, and Second Fridays, the couple writes that the economy is ultimately to blame.
"We started Evermore Nevermore with very meager finances and on a wing and a prayer, and we've been up against obstacles that the best conceived businesses in the world would have trouble overcoming, including the recession and poor economy, downtown Mesa corruption & collusion, politics and pettiness, imitators and thieves, halfway-house bums and addicts, and a location that often resembled a ghost town. With stubborn determination we've given this venture absolutely everything we have, including our life-savings, thousands of unpaid hours, the happiness and well-being of our family, our health, and we've incurred an enormous amount of debt that will haunt us for many years beyond our closing."
While they'll continue to organize Steampunk Street and support Mesa's Second Fridays, the owners are currently hoping to sell all merchandise before their December closing date and have also offered the shop and business to serious offers.
Read the Leepers' letter here and stay tuned for more information.
