After careful consideration, the board and executive director of United Methodist Ministries have made the difficult decision to close the Blue Flamingo Fair Trade Boutique effective September 15th. The Blue Flamingo, which opened as a thrift store in 2004, was started as a neighborhood ministry of Dietz Memorial United Methodist Church near downtown Omaha.

Over the years, the Blue Flamingo added vintage and Fair Trade sections to the shop. The Blue Flamingo was also home to a number of popular community programs including yoga classes, a walking club, a community garden and greenhouse, a children's book ministry, a knitting group, and other skill-shares. In 2011 the Blue Flamingo moved under the umbrella of United Methodist Ministries' programming which also includes the Big Garden and other volunteer opportunities.

Continuing to struggle with overhead costs, the Blue Flamingo moved earlier this year to its fourth location, at Hanscom Park United Methodist Church near 45th & Center Streets. In the new location, the Blue Flamingo eliminated thrift and vintage items from its holdings, focusing exclusively on its Fair Trade ministry and education. In spite of the new focus, foot traffic decreased to an unsustainable level.

Deb Keeney, program director of the Blue Flamingo, says, "We thank our friends and customers for their support over the last 10 years. We will be open this Saturday, September 13th, to sell off all remaining inventory and fixtures." All merchandise will be sold at 50% off Saturday, from 9am-3pm.

Nathan Morgan, executive director of United Methodist Ministries says, "We will continue to provide education around the importance of Fair Trade merchandise in alleviating global poverty with church groups and mission teams. We stand ready to support other local organizations and businesses that offer Fair Trade merchandise for sale."

Questions may be directed to info@bigmuddyumc.org.