Gary Fletcher, the owner of local framing, art and gift shop Simply Art and Framing, has made the decision to close his store and move on to the next chapter of his life. Simply has been a downtown fixture for 15 years, originally opening on Walnut Avenue before moving to a larger space on North Union Ave. Gary plans to close the store in a month or so, but isn’t going quietly. There will be a Moving On Sale, as well as a Going Away party, which Gary views as a celebration of the store and its customers.

“Owning this store in Cranford has been an amazing experience,” said Gary. “I’ve met a number of wonderful people and formed so many friendships. I consider myself incredibly lucky that I chose to open my business in Cranford 15 years ago. From the beginning, Cranford was so supportive and welcoming.”

Over the past few years, whatever challenges Gary has faced he’s found an outpouring of support from the community. “I was recently feeling under the weather, and one of my customers brought me soup. Where else but Cranford would someone do that for you? The sense of community here is unmatched.”

As Gary prepares to move on, he’s looking ahead to what the future will bring. He plans to travel with his husband to Chile in the next months, and spend some extra time with their puppy Sofia. “The responses from people when I said I would be closing have just reconfirmed why I came to Cranford in the first place. Cranford will always have a special place in my heart.”

Thank you Gary for being such an integral part of the Downtown Cranford business community and always lending your support. We wish you the best!