Center City children's boutique Lolli Lolli going out of business

Lolli Lolli, the upscale children's store on Philadelphia's Washington Square, is calling it quits after a decade in business.

Owner Jackie Promislo said she lost her lease and has decided to close up shop by March 31, possibly sooner if the inventory -- the latest in clothes and toys -- sells out. She said business has been brisk since the closing was announced Feb. 1 on social media and on signs posted outside the store, located on Walnut Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets.

"We got an incredible response to the announcement," Promislo said in an interview Saturday. "We'll see  how long our stuff lasts."

Promislo said her landlord gave her an option to renew her 10-year lease at market value or purchase the building. The $3,654 monthly rent would have increased over the course of the lease, she said. In the block behind the store, on Sansom Street otherwise known as Jewelers Row, Toll Bros. plans to build a 29-story condo tower.

"Over time, it was going to be increased substantially," Promislo said of her rent.

Consequently, she made what she described as a bittersweet decision to close the store, affecting two full-time employees and countless customers who helped make the boutique a popular shopping spot at a time when there were few high-end children's stores in Center City.

"It's been a great 10 years, a lot of great memories," said Promislo, 51. "It's the right thing to do at this point in my life."

She plans to return to practicing law. Previously a partner with Cozen O'Connor, one of the top law firms in the country, she specialized in civil litigation and employment-discrimination cases.

Promislo said she will consider her employment options once the store closes. But her focus now is on trying to help her employees find new jobs.

"I'm not sure where I'm going. I am really excited to go back in the practice of law," she said.

Promislo gave up legal work to start Lolli Lolli in August 2007.

At the time, she lived in Society Hill with her husband and their two children, who were young. She wanted more flexible hours to spend time raising them. Her children are now teenagers, making this a good time to return to the legal profession, Promislo said.

Over the years, Lolli Lolli gained a reputation as a small but unique boutique offering clothing, toys, and books. The clothing, ranging in style  from classic to fun wear, is for boys and girls from newborn to size 14.

Promislo said she believed she accomplished her goal to create a happy, fun place. She always wanted to be a part of the community.

With word of the going-out-of-business sale and deep discounts spreading, longtime customers have been stopping in, Promislo said. One purchased an item Saturday -- too small for either of her grandchildren-- as a keepsake, she said.

Promislo has no plans to reopen the boutique at another location.

"This was a great, fun challenge," she said. "I definitely am ready to transition back into law."