The Peninsula B次元官网网址 ReviewB次元官网网址檚 Business Profiles edition hits the streets on Nov. 8. This one of four stories coming out this week from that special publication.

ThereB次元官网网址檚 a saying about something old being new again B次元官网网址� and it can apply to Sidney business Cottons and Blues in a couple different ways.

First, cotton shirts and jeans never really do go out of style and thatB次元官网网址檚 one of the clothing storeB次元官网网址檚 main stocks in trade B次元官网网址� ever since Kathy Clarke started the business back in the 1970s. Although back then, it was known to its customers as Denim Disco.

Re-branded in 1979 as Cottons and Blues, Clarke continued to grow her business, adapting to the various clothing trends but at the same time, sticking to what she knows best and what her customers demanded B次元官网网址� natural fabrics, like cotton.

B次元官网网址淵ou always need to have a variety of items to serve a variety of age groups,B次元官网网址� she said.

One of the biggest challenges lately, she continued, is sourcing those natural fabrics, saying cotton is hard to find as more clothing manufacturers turn to alternatives, such as bamboo.

Second, on the old is new again angle, is the fact that Clarke is retiring this fall B次元官网网址� and the business is being taken over by new owner Anna Savage, who has worked with Clarke for the last five yards as a partner.

Clarke said sheB次元官网网址檚 had a retirement plan for years and wanted to put in place by the time she turns 60. And while sheB次元官网网址檚 right on schedule with those plans, she said sheB次元官网网址檚 not planning on going anywhere, as Sidney is her home.

B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 good, B次元官网网址榗ause Kathy is helping us out at Christmas still,B次元官网网址� quipped Savage, noting that time of year is still very busy for Cottons and Blues.

B次元官网网址淲e ave a very loyal following.B次元官网网址�

Clarke added 2017 has been a very good year for the business, with lots of customer traffic. It has set the stage for a positive transition this year. And itB次元官网网址檒l mean she and husband Garry will be on track to start their travels.

Clarke said she will miss her long-time customers and she would tell anyone getting into business these days to do as she did B次元官网网址� and not over extend themselves.

B次元官网网址淧ay your bills, sooner than later,B次元官网网址� she said, adding thereB次元官网网址檚 nothing quite as liberating B次元官网网址� personally and professionally B次元官网网址� as being debt-free.