The owner of a long-time Seattle business, the Hawaii General Store, says she’s being forced to shut down due to rising costs. Gail Stringer, who opened the store in 1998, plans to close by the end of November. Stringer attributes the decision to increasing expenses, which she warns is a trend affecting other small businesses in Seattle. The store has featured items from Hawaii, including snacks, shirts, and ukuleles, and will host a final sale and party on October 17.

Originally reported by KIRO 7 News Seattle.