Longtime downtown Olympia business will close next month, owner announces
Bucks Spices and Teas, a business that occupied a spot on Fifth Avenue for more than 50 years, will close next month, the owner announced on social media and in an email to The Olympian.
The business was started by Anne Buck, who passed away in 2019. Her son, Beau, announced Wednesday that the business will close at the end of July.
“Rapidly increasing operating expenses have made it unsustainable for us to continue operating the storefront,” he said in his email.
However, the business will continue online at buckspices.com.
“Gift certificates will continue to be honored online,” he said in his message. “We will, however, be offering fewer products online than we currently carry in the store, so for the widest selection, we encourage you to come visit us before July 31.
“We are deeply grateful to our many loyal customers who have supported us over the years. And we are especially grateful to our amazing little team, without whom we could not have done what we do. Thank you, Olympia.”
A number of people responded to the post on Facebook:
- “Sorry to read this. It will be the end of an era, we are all blessed with memories of Anne and your store.”
- “Very sad news. Hard times for small businesses. Thank you for years of service to the Olympia community and creating a one of a kind space for spice lovers!”
- “Heartbroken. Favorite store in Olympia. We just made a good shopping run there a couple of weeks ago.”
Buck’s had long been a must-go for devoted home cooks and professional chefs on the hunt for spices, herbs and teas. Hundreds of them line the shelves of the small storefront, stored in Mason jars with handwritten labels, The Olympian reported in 2019.
