06/22/2026
After much thought and prayer, I am announcing that Skeleton Key Boutique will permanently close its doors on August 8, 2026.
When I purchased Skeleton Key Boutique in December 2024, I did so because I believed in the community, regrowing the business, and the opportunity to continue serving Lock Haven with a unique shopping experience. Over the past year and a half, I have invested an incredible amount of time, energy, and resources into keeping the store operating while trying to regrow it, and unfortunately, despite those efforts, the level of sales needed for the business to financially “make sense” simply has not materialized. As many small business owners understand, passion alone cannot keep a business open. While this is not the outcome I hoped for, it is the reality I must face.
I want to be clear that this decision was not made lightly. As the owner of WillowBranch Boutique in Duncansville, a business I built from the ground up and have successfully operated for years, I know firsthand what it takes to build, grow, and sustain a thriving small business. I brought that same commitment, experience, and dedication to Skeleton Key Boutique. However, every business ultimately depends on consistent sales. My focus going forward will be on WillowBranch, volunteering & giving back, and my family. I am looking forward to shifting my extra time back to my family, as I have struggled to keep a work-life balance throughout my efforts to keep Skeleton Key running.
To those customers who chose to shop with us after I took over SKB, attended our events, shared our posts, recommended us to friends, and encouraged us along the way—thank you. Your support meant more than you know, and I am deeply grateful for each and every one of you.
I also want to thank the incredible community of fellow business owners in Lock Haven. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with kindness and encouragement. I know many of you face the same challenges that SKB has just like small businesses everywhere are experiencing, and I have tremendous respect for the perseverance you show every day.
Between now and August 8, we hope you’ll stop in to shop one last time and say goodbye. All gift cards purchased under my ownership of Skeleton Key Boutique may be used in-store or online at shopwithskeletonkey.com through our closing date. After August 8, any remaining gift card balances will be honored at WillowBranch Boutique, both in-store and online.
While this chapter is ending, I remain committed to serving our customers through WillowBranch Boutique, and look forward to continuing those relationships for years to come.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of the Lock Haven community. I will always be grateful for the friendships, connections, and memories made along the way.
With sincerity,
Abigail
Owner, Skeleton Key Boutique & WillowBranch Boutique
