Shop in downtown Black Mountain closes after 18 years

Owner and proprietor Paula Vaden announced the closing of Head to Toe on Cherry Street after 18 years on Nov. 15 via Facebook. 

"I'm retiring from retail," Vaden said. "We just decided we didn't want to be landlords. We decided to sell the building and close the store."

Vaden announced a closing sale offering everything in the store at 20% off. She said she quickly had customers expressing their disappointment about the store's closing. 

"It's nice to know that I definitely fill the niche in town and definitely made a mark with my store," Vaden said. 

Vaden opened Head to Toe after transferring a diaper bag business she had cultivated to making soaps. She briefly considered a bath and body shop but decided she needed more things to sell. 

"I made a list of things that I like," Vaden said. 

She made a joke to her sister about another store in town closing but soon came to realize the shop was in fact for rent. Vaden rented the space, selling "everything from hats to jewelry to socks" while continuing to make her soaps. 

Although the store will be closed, Vaden said not all of the merchandise will be gone. Her sock lines, for instance, she said, will continue to be sold at another shop.

After almost two decades in the business, Vaden said she appreciates her customer's patronage over the years. She said she's proud her plan for an affordably priced store was able to work and cater to people of all ages. 

"It's been a really good run and I'll miss everyone, I just need to move on," Vaden said. "Change is good."