Family-run gift store closing after 50 years in Cambridge

A store that’s sat on King Street in Cambridge for 50 years is closing its doors this month. Etcetera Linens and Gifts has been family-owned and operated since the store started in 1975.

Margery Thorman started it all and was well-known at the time for running the cafeteria at Preston School. Her daughter, Shirley Bowman joined the company in 1985 and still operates the store at the same location it began out of at 761 King St. E.

Bowman announced the store was closing last Friday and the next day had a line around the corner.

“My store is looking pretty empty. Everybody supported it and everybody’s been coming in and saying wonderful stories. They’re sorry to see me retire but they’re happy for me too,” said Bowman.

“That’s the difference in a small town, they all know you, they know your history, they know your family, they know my granddaughters work here, they know my sons used to work here too.”

Bowman added it’s been wonderful to see how much the community has come out to show support since announcing the closure. The closing date – January 31 – also falls on her mother’s birthday, making it an ideal day for Bowman to retire.

“They say what am I going to do without you Shirley, it’s really sweet.”