Jacinta Smith has decided to close the doors to The Willow Tree and sell the building after 29 years of operating the business. The gift shop has been a staple of the community and was along KY 54 well before Walmart or Kohl’s graced the booming highway.
Smith opened the store in 1994, down the road from where it currently sits. She later purchased the current lot at 3121 Commonwealth Court and erected a 2-story building with over 2,600 square feet of living quarters upstairs and 2,200 square feet of retail space on the first floor.
The store will officially close on December 31, 2023.
“I’ve always been on this street, watching businesses grow up around me,” Smith said. “At first, everyone thought we were way out in the country, but I kept telling them this is where God planted me.”
As years passed, various restaurants and retailers surrounded the gift shop. Smith said the addition of the stoplight was a boom for business, opening everything up and creating easier access for her loyal customers.
And while the world around The Willow Tree began to move at a faster pace, it’s almost as if time stood still inside the store.
“I chose the name The Willow Tree because it’s a relaxing-looking tree,” she said. “We built this to resemble home and possess a sense of quaintness that would allow customers to take time out of their busy days and slow down and relax.”
The upstairs living area features 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms, a living room, dining room, and kitchen. The store boasts an open concept with versatile functionality. There’s also a 2.5-car garage, storage unit, sunroom, and a small greenhouse made of old doors and windows.
Jason Gasser with Triple Crown Realty has listed the establishment for sale here.
“I’ve seen the hands of God work in so many ways,” Smith said. “I’m so grateful for the kindness and prayers of so many loyal customers and the community. I’ve been blessed.”
