The yarn shop Commuknity on The Alameda went out of business on Sunday. I didn’t shop there myself, but my girlfriend would go in a couple of times a year. She was glad to be able to get supplies for her hobby so close to downtown. The store itself was very upscale, and had about twice the floorspace of many of its competitors. A very ambitious venture, and one that seemed to be successful for a couple of years. But 2009 doesn’t seem to be the year for ambitious ventures.

Hopefully no more of our favorite near-downtown stores will be forced to close. I’ve been impressed with how San Jose’s small business owners have hung in there so far. There don’t really seem to be more shuttered businesses around than there are even in good times, but surely many small businesses are having a hard time. When you’re out shopping this year, please remember to shop local!