Frances and Smeeks owner Georganne Bryant announced via e-mail that she'll close both stores' UNION Biltmore locations at the end of 2013.
"It is with a heavy heart that I write to tell you I will be closing Smeeks 12/31/13," Bryant wrote in the message that went out just after 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 10.
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Bryant went on: "It has been a fun 4 years, but with a father afflicted by Alzheimer's and children on both coasts, I need to step back and spend some time with my family."
The candy and novelty shop originally opened in 2009 at Medlock Plaza, also home to Bryant's boutique Frances. In November 2012, Smeeks relocated to UNION, where Bryant also opened a second Frances location.
"I have appreciated and loved every moment of bringing Smeeks to Phoenix and thank you for all the support you have offered."
Although both of Bryant's UNION shops will close at the end of December 2013, Frances at Medlock Plaza will remain open.
"Our lease is up with the Biltmore Union at the end of the month for both Smeeks and Frances Union so we hope you continue shopping at our main store at Central and Camelback," Bryant wrote.
In the meantime, gift cards to Smeeks are set to expire at the end of December. So shoppers holding them should hightail it to the sweets shop before the new year.
