Butterflies and Zebras Closing After 3 Years

Wilton bargain hunters take note: After over three years of selling teen fashions in the heart of Ridgefield, Butterflies and Zebras will close its doors for good this weekend.

"We had a great two, two and a half years, but then business in town just died," said co-owner Shari Horowitz, citing the lack of foot traffic as the main reason for folding the business.

The boutique opened in 2009 with the concept of providing a place for local teens to shop for affordable clothes.

"We opened when there were other businesses that complemented ours," said Horowitz, of South Salem, who has a background in fashion product design. Her business partner, Ridgefielder Laura Schwartz, was previously a teacher.

Horowitz described the closing of several other local businesses, including Shoes N' More and The Gap, as events that affected her business. "You used to be able to get what you needed here, but now it's a lot of banks and realtors. It forces people to go to the mall to get what they need. It's a challenging atmosphere," she said.

Horowitz said they were fully liquidating the business and this week are hosting an "everything must go" sale. That means merchandise is offered at up to 75 percent off. 

She plans to stay open through the end of the week—at least until Friday and possible Saturday, depending on the remaining merchandise.