Stepping Stone owner walking away after decades in Lewes

After more than 20 years of owning the Stepping Stone, Sandy Phalen is walking into retirement.

The sale signs are up on the store windows at 107 W. Market St. in Lewes.

“I’m looking forward to not working seven days a week, which all small business owners basically do,” Phalen said.

Phalen said nobody wanted to buy the business, so she decided the time had come to step away.

The Stepping Stone has been a fixture on the corner of Front Street and West Market Street for 32 years.

“The gallery carries American-made fine handcrafts, and I have well over 100 different artisans from all over the country, so this will be a huge loss to Lewes,” she said.

Phalen said everything must go, even the shelves.

“It’s like moving out of a house you’ve lived in for 20 years – all those closets you have to clean. The memories I’ll take with me,” Phalen said.

She said she has been gradually grabbing up some of her favorite pieces, like a textured green gar that was hanging on the wall.

Phalen said she plans to close the doors for good in early December, depending on how much she has left.

She said she could not disclose the name of the business slated to take over the property.

Phalen said she is staying in Lewes and will finally have time to enjoy the town.

As for the legacy she leaves behind, Phalen said it lives on with her loyal customers.

“I hope the residents of the area look at their walls and their shelves, and see beautiful pieces of fine art they purchased here,” Phalen said.