In the April 29 Auburn Reporter, a very small “blurb” was written in the business section about the Uniform Station closing on May 31.

As a woman living, shopping and walking in the city of Auburn, I was embarrassed that such a small amount of space would represent this closing of a longtime business.

Sharon Smith has spent the last 16-plus years growing a business in this city. She dedicated herself to the Chamber and the ADA. To grow a storefront into a successful business should be applauded.

Customers, from Everett to Olympia, have known they could count on a friendly, helpful boutique atmosphere of quality merchandise and total service at the Uniform Station.

Sharon’s integrity and ethics are well known in the medical business world by her walk-in customers and especially, her employees. Sharon has overcome many struggles as a woman in business. Even when the City decided to close the entire street for six weeks last October and November, preventing customers from access to the store and any available parking, Sharon kept her optimism.

Mr. Mayor wants his downtown core to shine. What he has failed to realize is that a new City Hall and train station are not the whole or only answer. What is he doing to retain any of the existing businesses? How much parking has to be eliminated? How many storefronts in downtown Auburn have to sit vacant before he takes notice?

The city has lost a truly exceptional store owner and yet another business. The Uniform Station and all it has represented will be greatly missed.

– Jane Wright