CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS

Susan's Special Needs in Pleasant Ridge closing after nearly 20-year run

ANNALISE FRANK  

•  TWEET
•  SHARE
•  SHARE
•  EMAIL

PRINT

Store to close around end of February

E-commerce took "significant" toll on bottom line of business for women going through chemotherapy, hair loss, menopause

Founder Susan Thomas will continue offering services part time

Susan's Special Needs via Facebook

Susan's Special Needs sells merchandise for women going through chemotherapy or menopause in Pleasant Ridge at 24052 Woodward Ave. Owner Susan Thomas plans to close around late February.

A store in Pleasant Ridge that serves women going through chemotherapy, hair loss or menopause is closing.

Susan Thomas, founder of Susan's Special Needs on Woodward Avenue, is selling off inventory and then plans to close the shop around Feb. 28.

She's had a rewarding, nearly 20-year run at the store, she said, but more women turning to the internet for products has hurt its bottom line.

Susan Thomas and her husband, David

An oncology nurse who went through breast cancer herself, Thomas sells clothing, hats, wigs and other apparel that accommodates women who need specialty items — swimsuits with mastectomy pockets or light pajamas for hot flashes, for example. Susan's Special Needs also carries creams and other skin care products for women in chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Thomas, 68, is also offloading furniture and fixtures at the 24052 Woodward Ave. space.

"The past couple years we've had to address the change in the retail landscape … the way that women shop is different," Thomas said. "Online presence has affected our business."

She declined to provide financial details, but said the hit has been "significant enough for me to make this choice" to close.

That's not the only factor, though. More positively, Thomas said, she's also seen a decline in demand due to changes in medical treatment.

Susan's Special Needs

Susan's Special Needs in Pleasant Ridge sells items for women undergoing chemotherapy or in menopause including wigs, mastectomy bras and light lounge wear.

"(Many) women with early stage (breast cancer) are not treated with big-time, hardcore chemotherapy anymore," she said. "The need for a wig and anticipated hair loss is less than it used to be. That is great news; it's news we all want to hear."

After the doors close, Thomas plans to continue working part time consulting with women facing the same issues. Many of the details are yet to be finalized, she said, but customers will still be able to access her services.

Thomas has firmed up one part of the plan: She and a Susan's Special Needs employee will do wig styling, cutting and fitting at Antonino Salon & Spa in Birmingham.

Thomas has six employees, some of whom she expects some to continue working with her and others to retire.

"I have had the blessing and honor to take care of many, many women throughout these 20 years," she said. "It has been a privilege and blessing to service ... educate and help people."

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/retail/susans-special-needs-pleasant-ridge-closing-after-nearly-20-year-run