Tomfoolery, a local gift shop for four decades, is set to close this year in Downtown Chico. 

Mary Hartley has owned Tomfoolery for 3 years. Originally from Silverton, Ore., Hartley has been in Chico for 16 years, moving here in 2009. 

“I love Chico, I love downtown. I would say 2009, 2010 downtown was just popping and thriving,” Hartley said. While much of Chico’s culture continues to change, attitudes toward locally-owned businesses have remained positive. Local events such as the Wine Walk are where the community comes together and Downtown Chico comes alive. “Those takeaways and events that the community loves and supports is something that really sticks out,”  she said.

Hartley acknowledges that there are movements toward bringing Downtown Chico back to life, although it is unclear when changes will be made. “We’re probably gonna see a few more people go but I think at the end of the day it’s time to bring it back,” she said. 

Hartley said when Chico’s downtown businesses began to struggle with the rise in the homeless population, lack of parking and the amount of vacant buildings. “I think that the city is really trying to turn things around, but I think there’s been a gap of enforcement with some of that stuff.”

Following the Camp Fire, Chico’s population has increased dramatically as a result. There was a large influx of people moving to Chico, which in turn, resulted in a rise in Chico’s homeless population. 

“I think we live in different times that I do think stemmed from Covid, as a lot of the generations coming into Chico State are more of a stay in their dorm, order in, and order online. And so that’s another layer,” Hartley said.

With fewer Chico State students frequenting downtown, it is expected that it will reflect on the already struggling businesses. 

While there is no set date for the store’s closing, all products are currently 40% off and once significantly cleared out, Tomfoolery will officially be closing its doors.

Hartley hopes to end on a “sweet note” at her time with Tomfoolery. She enjoyed being downtown everyday, and wishes she could keep trucking forward. “I do feel the love and support of the community, even since I’ve announced closing. It’s been nothing but support. I think we have a beautiful community and I’m thankful for that.”

Bria Martinez can be reached at [email protected]