Company of ThievesSo the economy is slowing down. Even after ten years with a General Motors dealership in Northern Minnesota my dad was the least senior employee and first in line to be laid off. Entrepreneurship is taking a hit too I think. Here is a photo documentary of the economy in my neighborhood where three shops have either closed or changed ownership in the past few weeks alone.

I’ve been visiting In The Company of Thieves (“Thieves”) in the 900 Block of East Johnson for almost four years now. I see Penelope Trunk there pretty often. They have great sandwiches. Their Thieves Breakfast used to be under $3 and included coffee or tea, juice or milk, and a pastry! The new owners don’t have the Thieves Breakfast anymore. New owners and higher prices are a sign of the slower economy I think.

Glitterworkshop Closed And EmptyAlso in the 900 Block of East Johnson the Glitter Workshop closed after three years in this location. They’re still online now offering handmade gifts. It used to be a highlight of my day to walk past and gaze at the gifts in the window. They used to share the space with a florist which is completely out of business now.

Hopefully they’ll be able to make due online now. “After three years, we are closed for retail business. Pizza shackThank you so much to everyone who has supported us over the years! Remember you can still shop online at www.glitterworkshop.com.”

And finally, a photo of my favorite pizza parlor. You can see they have lasagna and sub sandwiches too. Thank goodness they’re still open or I might not eat but the effects of a slower economy show in the addition of an extra “Open” sign.