UKIAH, CA., 2/13/26 – Hometown Store and Kitchen Gifts announced last week it will close its downtown Ukiah shop over the next two months. Employees told The Mendocino Voice the store aims to close by the end of March.
“We have bittersweet news that Hometown Store will begin our retirement sale and our shop will be closing…,” a Facebook announcement reads. “It has been our family’s absolute honor to serve you for the last 25 years in Ukiah.”
The shop, which has been open since 2001, was founded by locals Ken and Sharon Foster and is now managed by their daughter, Hannah.
The store was opened to provide a quaint, homey space with a variety of U.S.-made kitchen supplies and goods. Today, it offers everything from local jewelry, candles, jams and sauces to high-quality kitchenware and home goods. The shop focuses on long-lasting items that are staples for seasoned chefs, such as cast-iron skillets, professional-grade knives and other items like mortars and pestles for grinding herbs.
Sharon Foster told The Mendocino Voice she decided to close the shop mainly to spend more time with her family, specifically her grandchildren.
“I want to spend time with my grandson who lives in Idaho. I want to enjoy my life with my family,” Foster emphasized. “I would like to thank all of my customers who have been with us throughout the years.”
Hannah, who started managing the business during the COVID-19 pandemic, said that her family spent a lot of time thinking about their decision to close the shop.
“It was time for our family, even though we know it’s not time for Mendocino County,” she said. “Closing here was a super long and thoughtful decision in order for my parents to be able to retire and enjoy their time together.”
Hannah said all of the fixtures and inventory are available for purchase. She said that anyone interested in opening their own store in Ukiah is welcome to reach out; she’s happy to connect them with the companies and gift shows she’ from her time managing the shop.
The Hometown Store said it will have a closing sale and will discount all items by 20 percent. Specific items labeled with red dots will be up to 60 percent off. All sales are final, and items cannot be exchanged or returned.
