Fort Lauderdale’s Pearls closes its flagship

The popular craft store chain Pearls is closing its last remaining store after 81 years in business.

Founded in 1933, Pearl Artist & Craft Supply is shutting the doors at its flagship store at 1033 Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, according to the South Florida Business Journal. The shop closed its Miami location last month.

“It was a landmark and an institution for a lot of people,” said Phil von Kahle, principle of Michael Moecker & Associates and trustee of the brand. “It was quite a place for local artists.”

I remember buying mini confederate flags at that store when I was a teen. Had a delivery driving job.When I came to a stoplight at a major intersection…I’d whip out a flag…set it on fire…and wave it out the window for all to see.Good times.