These Black-owned Seattle businesses are closing their doors in 2025

It may be the beginning of a new year, but for some local businesses, 2025 is the beginning of the end.

A handful of longtime, Black-owned businesses in Seattle are signing off. One of the businesses permanently closing is Flowers Just-4-U, which has been a fixture in the Central District since 1984.

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Owner Mary Wesley, or “Miss Mary” as her customers call her, is retiring at 94 years old.

“I’m closing the shop. That’s the sad part,” Wesley said. “But other than that, the retirement is great. I’m looking forward to it.”

This will be Wesley’s second try at retirement. The flower business was her retirement plan after nearly three decades at Boeing.

Over the years, Wesley has seen old buildings torn down to make way for new apartment units. It’s what prompted her to move to the current location on 23rd Avenue and Cherry Street. Soon, the building she’s in will be demolished, too.

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“Moving is no piece of cake,” she said.

Sue Grimord has worked alongside Wesley for the past five years. She said they’ll take their last orders for flowers on Jan. 15. After that, they’ll spend the next two weeks cleaning out the space.

Other well-known Black-owned Seattle businesses that are closing this month include Jackson’s Catfish Corner and Plum Bistro.