Ruby and Rust to close doors by end of the month

Amid turmoil in Downtown Winter Garden, small business are being forced to close, either due to new landlords or increase in rent prices. 

Among those businesses, Ruby and Rust took to social media to announce its closure as well after five-and-one-half years in Winter Garden. 

"With all the new property purchases happening downtown, rents are going up at astronomical rates, ours included," the post said. "Money talks, we get it! And we just can't compete with that." 

The owner, Kim Orme, said the decision was "thrown" at her, and it was "much needed." 

"The truth is, I've been so overwhelmed and exhausted," she said. "My soul needs a break, a refocus, to get realigned to my purpose." 

While the store will close its doors, the Ruby and Rust website will remain active and plant sales still will take place, either through delivery or shipping. 

In-home consults, classes for kids and adults and local markets will also continue until a forever home is found. 

"I know this new plan is not ideal for some of our customers and it's not a decision that I took lightly," Orme said. "If you have any ideas, collabs or hopefulness, please reach out."