SHERBURNE – After 44 years, The Cat’s Meow has become more than just a business in the heart of Sherburne. Its success has been a defining feature of the local community for an entire generation.

As the owners Marilyn and Charlie Crouch prepare for their last open day this Saturday, the couple reminisced on their decision to close the gift shop, well known for it’s quality items, friendly atmosphere and feline store companions.

“Our customers have become our friends. Of all the things changing in our lives, we’re going to miss the people the most. We’ve become very close with a number of them,” said Marilyn.

“We’ve had people showing up half an hour before we open this week. People love the sales, but hate to see us going into retirement. One woman came in with her grandmother, daughter and granddaughter this week: we’re seeing our fourth generation of customers.”

The store’s final days are Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The couple opened the store in 1974 not long after getting married. They have kept the store at their current location at 29 South Main Street in Sherburne for the last four decades.