News Summary
Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, a cherished provider of art supplies in North Carolina, has announced the closure of its locations in Charlotte, Boone, and Asheville after 40 years. This decision comes due to challenges in the art supply industry, resulting in declining sales and foot traffic. Local communities express sadness over the loss of a vital space for creativity. The stores will remain open for a couple of months, giving patrons a chance to stock up one last time. Despite these closures, Cheap Joe’s continues to support local arts initiatives.
CLOSURE ANNOUNCED FOR CHEAP JOE’S ART STUFF LOCATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA
In a bittersweet turn of events, artistic communities in Charlotte, Boone, and Asheville are saying goodbye to a beloved staple of their local art scenes. After an incredible 40 years of nurturing creativity and connections, Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff has made the tough decision to close all its North Carolina locations. This unexpected announcement has left many feeling nostalgic as they prepare to bid farewell to their favorite art supply haven.
THE REASON BEHIND THE CLOSURE
The decision to shut down these locations comes amidst increasing economic strain within the art supply industry. The team behind Cheap Joe’s recognized the challenging environment that has led to declining sales and foot traffic. Notably, just hours before the closure announcement, only a handful of customers were seen in the Charlotte store, suggesting that the struggles to draw in the community had become too overwhelming.
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff has a rich history that began in a drugstore thanks to founder Joe Miller, who gracefully transitioned from a pharmacy career into the colorful world of art supplies. Over the years, the brand blossomed, growing from a single location into a renowned name in the industry. The Charlotte site had even recently relocated to a new spot in South End, making this closure all the more shocking for local patrons.
COMMUNITY REACTIONS
Employee Noelle Kelly expressed the deep sense of loss felt by both staff and customers alike, highlighting how the store served as a point of connection among local artists. The team fostered not just a place to purchase art materials but a vibrant community where creativity flourished.
A TEMPORARY FAREWELL
While the thoughts of closure feel heavy, the stores will remain open for another couple of months, allowing dedicated customers some time to visit and take care of their art supply needs. This brief window will enable loyal patrons to stock up on supplies one last time, and perhaps share farewell stories with the staff who were always there to help.
A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THE ARTS
CONCLUSION
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Food & Drink Article
- Google Search: art supplies
- High Country Press: Joe Miller Interview
- Wikipedia: Art Supply
- Charlotte Observer: C5 Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art Supply
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
