Competition from large-scale retail stores and online shopping, namely Amazon Prime, Wal-Mart and Costco, are blamed for “cutting into our business,” said Gail Oliphant, corporation president of Gridleys of Fountain Hills.

Oliphant announced last week that the business is closing, probably by the end of the corporate year, June 30, if not sooner.

“It’s the end of an era,” she said. The business motto has been to “help our business help yours.”

Founded by Fay and Jack Gridley as a printing and office supply business during the development and growth of the town, Gridleys expanded into gifts, regional books, Southwestern greeting and Christmas cards, framing, lapidary and rocks. Over time, t-shirts, jewelry, casual hats and decorative home items were added.

The Gridleys printed a community newsletter, “Freenotes,” that predated The Times, as well as the first telephone directories for the town and Rio Verde.

Oliphant joined the parents in 1982 after employment at the former Chaparral Water Company and a previous position with a trade publication for landscaping and architecture.

Her next career will be real estate, she said. She now is enrolled in classes.

Both she and Lori Ritchie will continue their notary public service and will meet clients at a designated location, such as the Community Center, Starbucks or their home.

Oliphant said that small-town businesses, such as hers, increasingly feel the financial pinch from government-mandated increased employee minimum wage and paying sick leave and fees for fire department inspections.

“It’s becoming more and more difficult,” said Oliphant. “I pay my creditors. I pay my help. I refuse to work seven days a week with nothing for me. That’s not fair.”

The building has been listed for sale with MCO Realty. Oliphant said she may sell the framing department as a separate business entity.

Two days after posting a “Going out of business” sale on Facebook, Oliphant said she’s seen more traffic in the store.

“Where were those folks before,” asked Oliphant.