The Lessons of The Last Days at Waterloo Gardens

It was the worst of times, it was the most encouraging of times. For Lucy LeBoutillier and her husband Bobby the closing of Waterloo Gardens on Sunday was the end of a family business that served Chester County for more than 70 years.

It was also the end of a learning experience for Mrs. LeBoutillier who worked in the family business for more than 30 years.  She says the family's goal was to go out on as positive note as possible, even in the midst of the most trying times for employees who are losing jobs. Jobs can be replaced. Friends can't. LeBoutillier says one of the most moving moments of a bad situation came for her when employees learned of the closing. She says even before they talked about jobs and financial concerns, employees worried about keeping in touch with each other.

She agreed with the consultant brought in to run the liquidation sale who told Patch that this business closure was unlike most. Both said customers as well as employees felt this at a level much deeper than retail.

LeBoutillier says that since announcing the closure back at the beginning of July "my faith in human beings has been restored."  During a 45 minute impromptu conversation with Patch at the end of the day Saturday (the day before the store closed for good) Lucy LeBoutillier said "as sad as this is, it has been the most heartwarming experience (to hear from customers)."

She tells the story of one "older lady" who said she was 'glad she wasn't going to be around much longer" upon hearing the news.

Another customer who felt deeply connected to Waterloo Gardens paid LeBoutillier the "best compliment about Waterloo Gardens I ever heard." After the woman's 16-year-old daughter was killed in a car crash Lucy LeBoutillier says the heartbroken mother struggled just to get out of her house. She told Lucy that "this was the only place I felt safe where I could come."

LeBoutillier says she thinks it's the connection to nature that customers made in the acres and acres of plants, flowers, trees and shrubs.

What's Next for The Waterloo Gardens Site on Whitford Road in Exton? 

LeBoutillier says that is being worked out and she expects something may be able to be announced soon. "I love garden centers so I hope it is (one),"