After opening and running Hoots Family Consignment for the last five years, Denise Geremia has stepped down as owner after selling the store.
Geremia had her final day on Feb. 28 before handing the keys to the new owners, Ashleigh and Debbie Enslen.
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"My business plan when I originally purchased Lil Hoots was to take a business and make it one of the most popular stores in Strathmore. A store people go to before going online, before a box chain, before Calgary," wrote Geremia in a social media post.
Over the years the store received over 100 bicycles, $240,000 worth of clothing for Siksika and Cerebral Palsy Alberta, countless prom dresses, and 26 large Christmas gift boxes for those in need.
Geremia also helped to create Strathmore's Anime Club and helped feed over 1,000,000 cups of food to Elvis and Nike, the area's resident cats.
"I've created lifelong friends with my staff, including those who have been with me the longest," added Geremia. "Strathmore, thank you for all of your support the last five years."
Drop-offs for over 15 items have been shut down for the month as Ashleigh and Debbie learn the ropes.