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ATLANTA — An Atlanta small business owner has been forced to close his store due to repeated break-ins.
In 2023, thieves broke into Advisor Fashion in Sweet Auburn at least seven times.
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“It hurts. It was, and it’s because I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I work hard for that,” Kooser said.
Owner Katrina Kooser said thieves finally stole her dream.
She fought back tears as she spoke to Channel 2’s Courtney Francisco.
“They literally stole my dream here. I’m on a roller coaster of emotions,” Kooser said.
The mother of two opened Advised Fashion two years ago in the Sweet Auburn community on Southeast Decatur Street.
“When we chose this location, we knew it was growing and had a lot of foot traffic,” Kooser said. “We thought we could bring some life to this community.”
By March of last year, thieves began leaving behind shattered doors, busted locks and empty shelves.
Police searched for the prints, and by December, officers had arrested three people.
Customers were trying to come to support the store, but were told their insurance would be terminated because Kooser had already paid $75,000.
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“They described me as high risk,” Kooser said.
This month, she’s launching a closing sale.
“I didn’t want to do it. Some customers called me crying. They know I put my life’s savings into this store,” Kooser said.
She plans to lock up and leave for the final time on February 29th.
Until then, the company will hold a store closing sale and continue to sell products on its website.
She is determined to find a new store this year.
“It’s not over. It’s not over. My dream will never die,” Kooser said.
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