A few nights ago I noticed that the New World Wine at 632 E. Ogden was closed at 7 p.m. Didn't think much of it. Two nights ago, I stopped at the location in the Third Ward, 322 N. Water St., at about 7:45 p.m. It was closed, windows cover and had a sign on its door that read "Closed for inventory."

Well, today jsonline's "Daily Digest of Business" column reports that the stores have gone out of business. It's sad as they were catalysts for their unique Downtown neighborhoods as well as vibrant and friendly stores. I wish owner Brad Brunson and his family the best.