William Glen

Information may not be reliable

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 10, 2010) – William Glen, a Sacramento retail landmark for the past 47 years, announced today that it will close its store at Town and Country Center at the end of the year. The death of company co-founder, William Bill Snyder, in December of 2009, the continued economic recession, and changing consumer purchasing habits all took a toll on the store leading to the decision to close.
The recession has definitely changed peoples purchasing habits resulting in less money being spent on gifts and non-essentials, said Trevor Sanders, advisor to the William Glen Trust. He added, Also, competition from the internet continues to grow making it easier for busy people to shop from the comfort of home. All this coupled with Bills death made it an extremely difficult environment to continue to operate.
William Glen was co-founded by Snyder and Glen Forbes in 1963. Using $500 in cash and $2,000 they borrowed with their two Chevrolets as collateral, they opened a decorating studio and candle shop in 1,000 square feet of space. Forbes retired in 1998 and Bill Snyder and his wife, Terry, became the sole owners.
The store would soon expand into a home goods and gift retailer and would eventually occupy more than 20,000 square feet at its prominent location in Town and Country Center. In 1985, the William Glen Market was added which later became the William Glen Bistro, a four-star restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. In 1996, the Christmas Shop outgrew its space in the main store resulting in a new name Christmas and More Store and location directly behind the main store.
For forty-seven years, William Glen has been honored to be a part of Sacramentos most cherished celebrations and events which makes this decision so difficult, said Sanders. He added, Saying good bye is never easy but we hope that our customers will take this opportunity to come by the store and relive some past memories, reconnect with old friends and help us celebrate this remarkable store one more time.
Beginning Saturday, the stores entire inventory – including holiday items – will be available at sale prices.